California Breeding Waterfowl Population Status – 2011

The California Department of Fish and Game completed our State’s annual spring waterfowl breeding population survey in May.  The survey is conducted along pre-determined transects throughout important duck production regions in northeastern California, the Central Valley, and the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta.  The survey is flown by DFG biologists in a fixed-wing aircraft.  California Waterfowl biologists assist the Department by using a slow-flying helicopter over a sample of the entire survey area to determine a visibility correction factor.

Results from this year’s survey revealed a total of 558,600 breeding ducks in California.  This number represents a 6% decrease from the State’s long-term average.  Mallards remain the most abundant breeding duck in California.  The 2011 estimated breeding mallard population is 314,714 birds. Mallard numbers are down slightly from year's past and from the long-term average.

Habitat within the NE California, Sacramento Valley and the San Joaquin Valley Grasslands continue to support the vast majority of our State’s breeding mallards.  These 3 areas accounted for over 70% of mallards counted on this year’s survey. 

The Central Valley received much needed spring rains throughout the nesting season which should result in good local mallard production.  California Waterfowl banding crews have begun capturing and banding this years crop of hatch-year mallards at selected traditional stations.  Results from our banding program will provide greater insight as to how productive our local birds were in 2011. 

To view a table of recent California mallard breeding population click here>>

To view a graph of recent California mallard breeding population click here>>

To read the DFG announcement click here>>