Population status

Red-breasted Merganser
(Mergus serrator)

The population size and trends for mergansers are not reliably known, as many aerial surveys do not distinguish between the three species, whose breeding ranges overlap extensively. However, the three species can be reliably identified during helicopter-based plot surveys conducted as part of the Eastern Waterfowl Breeding Ground Survey (EWS). The results of the EWS show a stable trend for the Red-breasted Merganser population in eastern Canada. The species is at an 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.

 

Population goal and acceptable levels of variation

Species/groupGoalLower levelUpper level
CanadaLong-term average of the time series10th percentile of observed abundance (1970-2012)Not applicable

Eastern waterfowl breeding ground survey

Additional information on: Eastern waterfowl breeding ground survey

Table 1: Population trends by geographic area
Geographic areaTime PeriodAnnual Trend Table 1 - footnote 1 Limits
LowerUpper
Total survey area Select to view graph of the geographic area: Total survey area 1990-2017; Eastern waterfowl breeding ground survey1990-20172.8-0.26
 

British Columbia Coastal Waterbird Survey

Additional information on: British Columbia Coastal Waterbird Survey

Table 2: Population trends by geographic area
Geographic areaTime PeriodAnnual Trend Table 2 - footnote 1 Limits
LowerUpper
British Columbia coast1999-2016-0.9-3.22
 

References