The Northern Pintail breeding population is primarily monitored in western Canada through the Waterfowl Breeding Population Habitat Survey (WBPHS), as well as the Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey of the Central Interior Plateau of British Columbia. Northern Pintail numbers were also formerly monitored outside of the WBPHS survey area by the Cooperative Yukon Roadside Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey. Although the species is not considered to be threatened, numbers for the Northern Pintail have remained below the North American Waterfowl Management Plan continental goal for several decades and have not fully recovered despite several years of favourable water conditions in the Prairies. This suggests that the habitat carrying capacity was significantly reduced on a continental scale (North American Waterfowl Management Plan 2012). The Northern Pintail is below the lowest acceptable level relative to its national population goal. 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: Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey in Western Canada and the Northwestern United-States
Additional information on: British Columbia Coastal Waterbird 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.