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Waterfowl Research

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By Alaska Science Center September 29, 2025

Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the lower 48-states and Hawaii.

Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems

The main objectives of the USGS Alaska Science Center waterfowl research program are to:

  • Identify and fill gaps in our knowledge about the ecology of waterfowl species in Alaska
  • Quantify the drivers of population trends of waterfowl populations in Alaska and throughout their annual cycle
  • Provide science information to Department of Interior management agencies and others for decision making regarding waterfowl disease, population delineation, and species of conservation concern

Waterfowl Research by Species

Media
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska​​​​​​.​(Credit: Ryan Askren, USGS. Public domain.)

 

 

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

Below are data or web applications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 53
No Result Found

Below are multimedia items associated with this project.

No results found.

Below are publications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 184

Multiple spring migration strategies in a population of Pacific Common Eiders Multiple spring migration strategies in a population of Pacific Common Eiders

Spring migration strategies vary within and among species. Examination of this variability extends our understanding of life histories and has implications for conservation. I used satellite transmitters to determine migration strategies and evaluate factors influencing the timing of spring migration of Pacific Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum) that nest along the western...
Authors
Margaret R. Petersen

Migratory patterns and population structure among breeding and wintering red-breasted mergansers (Mergus serrator) and common mergansers (M. merganser) Migratory patterns and population structure among breeding and wintering red-breasted mergansers (Mergus serrator) and common mergansers (M. merganser)

Philopatry has long been assumed to structure populations of waterfowl and other species of birds genetically, especially via maternally transmitted mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), yet other migratory behaviors and nesting ecology (use of ground vs. cavity sites) may also contribute to population genetic structure. We investigated the effects of migration and nesting ecology on the population...
Authors
John M. Pearce, K. G. McCracken, Thomas K. Christensen, Y.N. Zhuravlev
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Mechanisms of population heterogeneity among molting common mergansers on Kodiak Island, Alaska: Implications for genetic assessments of migratory connectivity Mechanisms of population heterogeneity among molting common mergansers on Kodiak Island, Alaska: Implications for genetic assessments of migratory connectivity

Quantifying population genetic heterogeneity within nonbreeding aggregations can inform our understanding of patterns of site fidelity, migratory connectivity, and gene flow between breeding and nonbreeding areas. However, characterizing mechanisms that contribute to heterogeneity, such as migration and dispersal, is required before site fidelity and migratory connectivity can be...
Authors
John M. Pearce, Denny Zwiefelhofer, Nate Maryanski
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Avian influenza at both ends of a migratory flyway: characterizing viral genomic diversity to optimize surveillance plans for North America Avian influenza at both ends of a migratory flyway: characterizing viral genomic diversity to optimize surveillance plans for North America

Although continental populations of avian influenza viruses are genetically distinct, transcontinental reassortment in low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses has been detected in migratory birds. Thus, genomic analyses of LPAI viruses could serve as an approach to prioritize species and regions targeted by North American surveillance activities for foreign origin highly pathogenic...
Authors
John M. Pearce, Andrew M. Ramey, Paul L. Flint, Anson V. Koehler, Joseph P. Fleskes, J. Christian Franson, Jeffrey S. Hall, Dirk V. Derksen, S. Ip
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Alaska Science Center

Post-fledging movements of juvenile Common Mergansers (mergus merganser) in Alaska as inferred by satellite telemetry Post-fledging movements of juvenile Common Mergansers (mergus merganser) in Alaska as inferred by satellite telemetry

We implanted satellite transmitters into eight juvenile Common Mergansers to investigate post-fledging movements from their natal river in southcentral Alaska. Subsequently, they moved widely throughout portions of western and southcentral Alaska up to 750 km from their natal areas during fall and winter months. Transmitters of two birds (one male and one female) continued to send...
Authors
John M. Pearce, Margaret R. Petersen

Increase in the rate and uniformity of coastline erosion in Arctic Alaska Increase in the rate and uniformity of coastline erosion in Arctic Alaska

Analysis of a 60 km segment of the Alaskan Beaufort Sea coast using a time‐series of aerial photography revealed that mean annual erosion rates increased from 6.8 m a−1(1955 to 1979), to 8.7 m a−1 (1979 to 2002), to 13.6 m a−1 (2002 to 2007). We also observed that spatial patterns of erosion have become more uniform across shoreline types with different degrees of ice‐richness. Further...
Authors
Benjamin M. Jones, C.D. Arp, M.T. Jorgenson, Kenneth M. Hinkel, Joel A. Schmutz, Paul L. Flint
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Plasma biochemistry values in emperor geese (Chen canagica) in Alaska: Comparisons among age, sex, incubation, and molt Plasma biochemistry values in emperor geese (Chen canagica) in Alaska: Comparisons among age, sex, incubation, and molt

Reduced populations of emperor geese (Chen canagica), a Bering Sea endemic, provided the need to assess plasma biochemistry values as indicators of population health. A precursory step to such an investigation was to evaluate patterns of variability in plasma biochemistry values among age, sex, and reproductive period. Plasma from 63 emperor geese was collected on their breeding grounds...
Authors
J. Christian Franson, D. J. Hoffman, Joel A. Schmutz
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center

Does influenza A affect body condition of wild mallard ducks, or vice versa? Does influenza A affect body condition of wild mallard ducks, or vice versa?

Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses are well documented to circulate within wild waterfowl populations (Olsen et. al. 2006). It has been assumed that these infections are benign with no subsequent effects on life-history parameters. The study by Latorre-Margalef et al. (2009; hereafter L.-M. et al.) represents an important step, as they attempt to test this assumption in wild...
Authors
Paul L. Flint, J. Christian Franson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Alaska Science Center

Genetic evidence of intercontinental movement of avian influenza in a migratory bird: The northern pintail (Anas acuta) Genetic evidence of intercontinental movement of avian influenza in a migratory bird: The northern pintail (Anas acuta)

The role of migratory birds in the movement of the highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza H5N1 remains a subject of debate. Testing hypotheses regarding intercontinental movement of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses will help evaluate the potential that wild birds could carry Asian-origin strains of HP avian influenza to North America during migration. Previous North American
Authors
A.V. Koehler, John M. Pearce, Paul L. Flint, J. C. Franson, S. Ip
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Prevalence of Influenza A viruses in wild migratory birds in Alaska: Patterns of variation in detection at a crossroads of intercontinental flyways Prevalence of Influenza A viruses in wild migratory birds in Alaska: Patterns of variation in detection at a crossroads of intercontinental flyways

Background. The global spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus has stimulated interest in a better understanding of the mechanisms of H5N1 dispersal, including the potential role of migratory birds as carriers. Although wild birds have been found dead during H5N1 outbreaks, evidence suggests that others have survived natural infections, and recent studies have shown...
Authors
S. Ip, Paul L. Flint, J. Christian Franson, Robert J. Dusek, Dirk V. Derksen, Robert E. Gill, Craig R. Ely, John M. Pearce, Richard B. Lanctot, Steven M. Matsuoka, D.B. Irons, J.B. Fischer, R.M. Oates, Margaret R. Petersen, T.F. Fondell, D.A. Rocque, J.C. Pedersen, T.C. Rothe
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center

Applying the scientific method when assessing the influence of migratory birds on the dispersal of H5N1 Applying the scientific method when assessing the influence of migratory birds on the dispersal of H5N1

Background The role of wild birds in the dispersal of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 continues to be the subject of considerable debate. However, some researchers functionally examining the same question are applying opposing null hypotheses when examining this issue. Discussion I describe the correct method for establishing a null hypothesis under the scientific method. I...
Authors
Paul L. Flint
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Nesting ecology of tundra swans on the coastal Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska Nesting ecology of tundra swans on the coastal Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

Nesting ecology of Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus columbianus) was studies the Kashunuk River near Old Chevak (61A?26a??N, 165A?27a??W), on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta of western Alaska from 1988-2000. Annual variation in snow-melt chronology, nesting phenology, nesting density, clutch size and nest success was examined. The same area (approximately 23 kmA?) was searched each year and...
Authors
Colleen A. Babcock, A. C. Fowler, Craig R. Ely
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Below are news stories associated with this project.

Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the lower 48-states and Hawaii.

Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems

The main objectives of the USGS Alaska Science Center waterfowl research program are to:

  • Identify and fill gaps in our knowledge about the ecology of waterfowl species in Alaska
  • Quantify the drivers of population trends of waterfowl populations in Alaska and throughout their annual cycle
  • Provide science information to Department of Interior management agencies and others for decision making regarding waterfowl disease, population delineation, and species of conservation concern

Waterfowl Research by Species

Media
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska​​​​​​.​(Credit: Ryan Askren, USGS. Public domain.)

 

 

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

Below are data or web applications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 53
No Result Found

Below are multimedia items associated with this project.

No results found.

Below are publications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 184

Multiple spring migration strategies in a population of Pacific Common Eiders Multiple spring migration strategies in a population of Pacific Common Eiders

Spring migration strategies vary within and among species. Examination of this variability extends our understanding of life histories and has implications for conservation. I used satellite transmitters to determine migration strategies and evaluate factors influencing the timing of spring migration of Pacific Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum) that nest along the western...
Authors
Margaret R. Petersen

Migratory patterns and population structure among breeding and wintering red-breasted mergansers (Mergus serrator) and common mergansers (M. merganser) Migratory patterns and population structure among breeding and wintering red-breasted mergansers (Mergus serrator) and common mergansers (M. merganser)

Philopatry has long been assumed to structure populations of waterfowl and other species of birds genetically, especially via maternally transmitted mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), yet other migratory behaviors and nesting ecology (use of ground vs. cavity sites) may also contribute to population genetic structure. We investigated the effects of migration and nesting ecology on the population...
Authors
John M. Pearce, K. G. McCracken, Thomas K. Christensen, Y.N. Zhuravlev
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Mechanisms of population heterogeneity among molting common mergansers on Kodiak Island, Alaska: Implications for genetic assessments of migratory connectivity Mechanisms of population heterogeneity among molting common mergansers on Kodiak Island, Alaska: Implications for genetic assessments of migratory connectivity

Quantifying population genetic heterogeneity within nonbreeding aggregations can inform our understanding of patterns of site fidelity, migratory connectivity, and gene flow between breeding and nonbreeding areas. However, characterizing mechanisms that contribute to heterogeneity, such as migration and dispersal, is required before site fidelity and migratory connectivity can be...
Authors
John M. Pearce, Denny Zwiefelhofer, Nate Maryanski
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Avian influenza at both ends of a migratory flyway: characterizing viral genomic diversity to optimize surveillance plans for North America Avian influenza at both ends of a migratory flyway: characterizing viral genomic diversity to optimize surveillance plans for North America

Although continental populations of avian influenza viruses are genetically distinct, transcontinental reassortment in low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses has been detected in migratory birds. Thus, genomic analyses of LPAI viruses could serve as an approach to prioritize species and regions targeted by North American surveillance activities for foreign origin highly pathogenic...
Authors
John M. Pearce, Andrew M. Ramey, Paul L. Flint, Anson V. Koehler, Joseph P. Fleskes, J. Christian Franson, Jeffrey S. Hall, Dirk V. Derksen, S. Ip
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Alaska Science Center

Post-fledging movements of juvenile Common Mergansers (mergus merganser) in Alaska as inferred by satellite telemetry Post-fledging movements of juvenile Common Mergansers (mergus merganser) in Alaska as inferred by satellite telemetry

We implanted satellite transmitters into eight juvenile Common Mergansers to investigate post-fledging movements from their natal river in southcentral Alaska. Subsequently, they moved widely throughout portions of western and southcentral Alaska up to 750 km from their natal areas during fall and winter months. Transmitters of two birds (one male and one female) continued to send...
Authors
John M. Pearce, Margaret R. Petersen

Increase in the rate and uniformity of coastline erosion in Arctic Alaska Increase in the rate and uniformity of coastline erosion in Arctic Alaska

Analysis of a 60 km segment of the Alaskan Beaufort Sea coast using a time‐series of aerial photography revealed that mean annual erosion rates increased from 6.8 m a−1(1955 to 1979), to 8.7 m a−1 (1979 to 2002), to 13.6 m a−1 (2002 to 2007). We also observed that spatial patterns of erosion have become more uniform across shoreline types with different degrees of ice‐richness. Further...
Authors
Benjamin M. Jones, C.D. Arp, M.T. Jorgenson, Kenneth M. Hinkel, Joel A. Schmutz, Paul L. Flint
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Plasma biochemistry values in emperor geese (Chen canagica) in Alaska: Comparisons among age, sex, incubation, and molt Plasma biochemistry values in emperor geese (Chen canagica) in Alaska: Comparisons among age, sex, incubation, and molt

Reduced populations of emperor geese (Chen canagica), a Bering Sea endemic, provided the need to assess plasma biochemistry values as indicators of population health. A precursory step to such an investigation was to evaluate patterns of variability in plasma biochemistry values among age, sex, and reproductive period. Plasma from 63 emperor geese was collected on their breeding grounds...
Authors
J. Christian Franson, D. J. Hoffman, Joel A. Schmutz
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center

Does influenza A affect body condition of wild mallard ducks, or vice versa? Does influenza A affect body condition of wild mallard ducks, or vice versa?

Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses are well documented to circulate within wild waterfowl populations (Olsen et. al. 2006). It has been assumed that these infections are benign with no subsequent effects on life-history parameters. The study by Latorre-Margalef et al. (2009; hereafter L.-M. et al.) represents an important step, as they attempt to test this assumption in wild...
Authors
Paul L. Flint, J. Christian Franson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Alaska Science Center

Genetic evidence of intercontinental movement of avian influenza in a migratory bird: The northern pintail (Anas acuta) Genetic evidence of intercontinental movement of avian influenza in a migratory bird: The northern pintail (Anas acuta)

The role of migratory birds in the movement of the highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza H5N1 remains a subject of debate. Testing hypotheses regarding intercontinental movement of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses will help evaluate the potential that wild birds could carry Asian-origin strains of HP avian influenza to North America during migration. Previous North American
Authors
A.V. Koehler, John M. Pearce, Paul L. Flint, J. C. Franson, S. Ip
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Prevalence of Influenza A viruses in wild migratory birds in Alaska: Patterns of variation in detection at a crossroads of intercontinental flyways Prevalence of Influenza A viruses in wild migratory birds in Alaska: Patterns of variation in detection at a crossroads of intercontinental flyways

Background. The global spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus has stimulated interest in a better understanding of the mechanisms of H5N1 dispersal, including the potential role of migratory birds as carriers. Although wild birds have been found dead during H5N1 outbreaks, evidence suggests that others have survived natural infections, and recent studies have shown...
Authors
S. Ip, Paul L. Flint, J. Christian Franson, Robert J. Dusek, Dirk V. Derksen, Robert E. Gill, Craig R. Ely, John M. Pearce, Richard B. Lanctot, Steven M. Matsuoka, D.B. Irons, J.B. Fischer, R.M. Oates, Margaret R. Petersen, T.F. Fondell, D.A. Rocque, J.C. Pedersen, T.C. Rothe
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center

Applying the scientific method when assessing the influence of migratory birds on the dispersal of H5N1 Applying the scientific method when assessing the influence of migratory birds on the dispersal of H5N1

Background The role of wild birds in the dispersal of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 continues to be the subject of considerable debate. However, some researchers functionally examining the same question are applying opposing null hypotheses when examining this issue. Discussion I describe the correct method for establishing a null hypothesis under the scientific method. I...
Authors
Paul L. Flint
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Nesting ecology of tundra swans on the coastal Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska Nesting ecology of tundra swans on the coastal Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

Nesting ecology of Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus columbianus) was studies the Kashunuk River near Old Chevak (61A?26a??N, 165A?27a??W), on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta of western Alaska from 1988-2000. Annual variation in snow-melt chronology, nesting phenology, nesting density, clutch size and nest success was examined. The same area (approximately 23 kmA?) was searched each year and...
Authors
Colleen A. Babcock, A. C. Fowler, Craig R. Ely
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Below are news stories associated with this project.

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