The Greater Scaup is primarily monitored within its core breeding ranges through the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, as well as the Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey of the Central Interior Plateau of British Columbia. For the purposes of population monitoring, Greater Scaup and Lesser Scaup numbers are combined and reported as "Scaup" because of the difficulty in distinguishing between species during aerial surveys from fixed-winged aircraft. Because the Lesser Scaup is more abundant than the Greater Scaup, the former makes up a larger proportion of the continental Scaup population (Anteau et al. 2014). The Scaup population has declined from the historic high levels observed in the late 1970s, and while they have been increasing over the last decade, the population has not yet recovered. Because of the lack of specific information on the Lesser Scaup, a national population goal for it has not yet been determined. Detailed information on the population status of waterfowl species is available in the Population Status of Migratory Game Birds in Canada report (summarized version). To obtain a copy of the full version of this report, including tables and graphs, please contact ec.scf-oismiggibiers-cws-miggamebirds.ec@canada.ca.
Additional information on: British Columbia Coastal Waterbird Survey
Additional information on: Eastern waterfowl breeding ground survey
Additional information on: Cooperative Yukon roadside Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey
Additional information on: Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey of the Central Interior Plateau of B.C.
