Question:

Why (and how) do ducks transmigrate (move east and west) when they don’t know what conditions exist in the new location?

Mike Bisping

Answer:

Mike,

To begin with, waterfowl migration routes are generalizations and are not as distinct as the four flyway designations (shown here) used for harvest management in the United States. For example, many waterfowl species that are considered Atlantic Flyway birds originate as far northwest as the Yukon of Canada. While there are many flight patterns that are consistently followed, it is important to remember that many of these consistent patterns are not restricted solely to straight north to south flight. Flight patterns routinely change from year to year or during dry and wet cycles to take advantage of available food and water.

Another factor influencing east to west migration is the philopatric nature of waterfowl. The term philopatry refers to the tendency of female ducks and geese to return to their place of birth. In ducks, a pair bond is formed and mating typically takes place on the wintering grounds. Even though a drake mallard may travel south in one flyway, he may pair bond with a female from an entirely different flyway and return north with her to her place of birth. Three years ago, I personally harvested a drake mallard in North Dakota that was banded in the state of New York. With females returning to their place of birth and males shifting locations, this mechanism spreads out the gene pool and reduces the chances of inbreeding.

One of the most exciting things about harvesting a banded bird is finding out where your particular bird has been.

Have a great hunting season,

Do you have a question about waterfowl?

Email us as biologist@deltawaterfowl.org - if it's selected for the web site you will receive a Delta T-Shirt!