Migratory Game Birds
The Migration of Birds
The mass movement of birds was one of the first natural phenomena to attract and intrigue the imagination of man. Recorded observations on the subject date back nearly 3000 years to the time of Homer, Herodotus, Aristotle and others.
The Bible makes several references to periodic movement of birds. The flight of Quail that saved the Israelites from starvation in their wanderings in the wilderness of Sinai is now recognized as a vast movement of migratory Quail between their breeding grounds and their Winter home in Africa.
Throughout the ages the return flights of Migratory birds have been important as a source of food after a lean Winter and as the harbinger of a change of season. The pioneer fur traders in Alaska and Canada offered rewards to the Indigenous peoples who saw the first goose of Spring, and all joined in jubilant welcome to the newcomer.
As the North American continent became more thickly settled, the large flocks of ducks and geese became objects of the enthusiastic attention of an increasing army of sportsmen. The need for laws protecting the valuable game and non game birds and for regulating the hunting of the diminishing game species followed as a natural course. In the management of this wildlife resource it has become obvious that continuous studies must be made of the food habits of various species, their environmental needs, and their travels.
Field men have gathered information concerning the distribution and seasonal movements of the different species in many extended areas. From the Arctic coast south to the pampas of Argentina. Supplementing these investigations is the work of hundreds of volunteer ornithologists and bird students throughout the US and Canada who, each year in their respective localities. Not only do the facts thus assembled for the basis of regulatory action the protection of the birds but they also make it possible to publish accounts of the range and migrations of the different species.
Advantages of Migration
It is apparent that the migratory habit enables a species to enjoy the Summers of the Northern latitudes while avoiding the severity of the Winters. In other words, migration makes it possible for some species to inhabit two different areas during the seasons when each presents favorable conditions. In the performance of its reproductive duties, each pair of birds requires a certain amount of territory. The extent of which varies greatly in different species.
Generally, however, this territory must be large enough to provide adequate food., not only for the parent birds, but also for the lusty appetites of the young. Thus, if all birds were to remain constantly in tropical or in temperate regions, there would be intolerable overcrowding during the breeding season.
By the Spring withdrawal to regions uninhabitable earlier in the year. The migrants are assured of adequate space and ample food upon their arrival in the Winter freed North. And it may be assumed that the non migratory species that are resident in the South are also benefited by the departure of the migrants.
The tendency of some birds to move Southward at the approach of Winter is not always due to the seasonal low temperatures. The main consideration is the depletion of the food supply caused either by the disappearance or the hibernation of insects, or by the mantle of snow or ice that prevents access to the seeds and other forms of food found on or close to the ground or submerged in the water. Possibly also the shortened hours of daylight materially restrict the ability of the birds to obtain sufficient food at the time when they require an increased supply to maintain body heat.
Speed of Flight During Migration
During the past few years reliable data on the speed of birds has been accumulated. It has been found that a common flying speed of ducks and geese is between 40 and 50 miles per hour. And that it is much less among the smaller birds.
It seems that migrations are performed in a leisurely manner, and that after a flight of a few hours the birds pause to feed and rest for one or several days, particularly if they find themselves in congenial surroundings.
The fastest recorded flight for ducks over a long distance was made by a young male blue winged teal. He travelled 3800 miles from the Athabasca delta in Northern Alberta to Maracaibo, Venezuela in exactly one month. This flight was at an average speed of 125 miles per day.
Altitude Of Flight
It is now known that migration in general is performed below a height of 3000 feet above the earth. However, observers at an altitude of 14000 feet in the Himalayas have recorded storks and cranes flying so high that they could only be seen through field glasses. Being beyond the range of unaided vision they must have been at least 6000 feet above the observers, or at an actual altitude of 20,000 feet above sea level. Such cases however are exceptional.
Orientation
Ability to follow a more or less definite course to a definite goal is evidently part of an inherited faculty. Both the path and the goal must have been determined either when the habit originated or in the course of it subsequent evolution. It is well known that birds possess wonderful vision. If they also have retentive memories subsequent trips over the route may well be steered in part by recognizable landmarks.
Some investigators have asserted that the sense of direction has its seat in the ears or nasal passages and thus the bird is able to identify air currents and other phenomena. It has been found that disturbance of the semicircular canals of the inner ear will destroy the homing instinct of the racing pigeon. It seems that this migratory instinct of the bird is somewhat temporary. Migratory birds may be detained en-route either due to natural conditions such as unusual food supplies or forcibly by man and detained until the end or nearly the end of the migratory season. Then they may not attempt to finish the journey. Apparently having lost the migratory impulse.
Pacific Flyway
Central Flyway
Mississippi Flyway
Atlantic Flyway
Goose Topography
Hunting Migratory Game Birds
Duck Topography
The outline drawing shows the different areas of a bird’s plumage and the terms used in describing them. Reference to these drawings and comparison with illustrations or specimens will greatly aid correct identification.
Field marks described are most distinct in Spring, when birds are in full plumage. After the most, which starts in June and continues until late Fall, plumage characteristics may not be so prominent and for a time may be confusing in full molt, eclipse plumage. Many males look much like females and during the fall, many juveniles in various stages of development add further difficulties. All have their distinctive characteristics, which can be learned by the serious observer.
Whistling Swan
Identification
Large, long necked birds weighting from 10 to 20 pounds. Plumage entirely white, occasionally a trace of rusty orange on head and neck. Tail of 20 feathers with beak black, bare skin extending back to eye sometimes a yellow spot in front of the eye, legs black. Immature similar but with an ashy gray wash over upper parts, head and neck are light brownish gray.
Range
Breeds on islands and coastal regions of arctic, Winters on both Pacific and Atlantic coasts of Southern US
Nesting
On the ground on the tundra. Nest of grass and moss lined with down. Eggs 2-7 white.
Food
Aquatic Vegetation
Remarks
Whistling swans migrate in number during April and October. Little more than 30 years ago the sportsman could hunt them legally, but their numbers diminished towards the point where the species was threatened. Today they are protected year round.
Trumpeter Swans
Identification
Very Large, long necked bird weighing up to 36 pounds. Color and general appearance as as whistling swan. Tail of 24 feathers, nostril usually closer to eye than tip of beak. Immature similar to adult but many grayish feathers on back and wings and often a brownish tinge on head and neck.
Range
In a few localities in Alberta, Grande Prairie district and Medicine Hat region mainly winters in Southern BC
Nesting
On the ground on islands or on the shores of lakes and sloughs. Nest of reeds, grass and roots lined with down. Eggs 4 to 5 white.
Food
Aquatic Plant life, seeds and roots.
Remarks
On the verge of extinction 30 years ago. Thanks to people of the Peace River district the trumpeter swan, which nests in that area, is making a remarkably steady recovery.
Whooping Crane
Identification
Pure white except for a bare patch of red skin from beak over crown and under eye. And wing tips, primaries and coverts, black. Beak yellowish with iris yellow, legs black. Immature, similar but many feathers washed with rusty or cinnamon. Area on head which will later become bare covered with short gray feathers.
Range
Only breeding ground know today are the extreme Northern parts of Alberta and adjacent Territories. Winters on Arkansas refuge in Texas.
Nesting
On the ground in a marsh. Nest of grasses and reeds. Eggs two olive or buffy blotched with brown.
Food
Frogs, Shakes, Marsh Animals and grain shoots.
Remarks
The continued survival of the remaining handful of birds is in great jeopardy. Only with the efforts of the biologist and the cooperation of the sportsman can this species be saved.
Canada Goose
Identification
White cheek patches on black head, neck black. Back and wings grayish brown with lighter feather edging. Abdomen and upper and lower tail coverts white. Tail beak and legs black.
Range
Breeds throughout Alberta, occasionally winters in Southern Alberta.
Nesting
On ground, preferably on islands in lakes or rivers. Occasionally in trees or nests of other large birds. Nest is made of reeds, leaves and grass lined with down. Eggs 4 to 7 creamy white.
Food
Eel grass, grain fields, grass shoots, marsh grass. They make regular morning and evening flights from lakes to grain fields and feed in the same spot.
Remarks
While the female is incubating the gander guards. It is believed the Canada Goose mates for life. Small numbers of Canada Geese winter regularly on the open waters of the Bow River near Calgary, some of which remain to nest in the area.
Blue Goose
Identification
Head and upper neck white, lower neck, breast, sides and back, grayish brown. Wings and rump blue gray abdomen and til white beak dark pink with black grinning marks. Legs purplish red. Immature, chin white, remainder of head, neck and the, wings sooty gray with brown feather edging, under parts dusky gray lightest on abdomen beak grayish black legs dark gray to pinkish gray.
Range
Breeds on Baffin island the mouth of the Hudson’s Bay. Winters on gulf coast marshes of Louisiana
Nesting
On ground on Tundra. Nest of moss lined with grass and down. Eggs 1 to 4 white.
Food
Roots, tubers of marsh plants.
Remarks
The species has been seen in Alberta on very few occasions. During the fall migration blue geese are occasionally seen in the Hanna District. Others have been observed in the Lake Athabasca region.
Snow Geese
Identification
Entirely white except primaries which are black. Often with rusty marks on head and neck. Beak deep pink serrated edges black giving appearance of a grin. Legs purplish red. Immature similar but with a wash of light blue gray over back and wings.
Range
Breeds in arctic migrates through Alberta to winter grounds in Southern US from Florida to California.
Nesting
Nests on ground, nest of reeds, mosses and lined with down. Eggs 4 to 7 creamy white.
Food
Young grain, stubble fields pasture grasses and shoots.
Remarks
Each year in April they move slowly through the province stopping at favorite lakes at which their arrival my be predicted. In September their migration is less predictable.
Ross Goose
Identification
Entirely white except for black primaries and pink beak. Legs are purplish red.
Range
Breeds along the arctic coast from Perry River to Banks Island. Migrates through Alberta to California wintering grounds.
Nesting
On the ground on the tundra in loose colonies. Nest of mosses, reeds and lined with down, eggs 3 to 6 creamy white.
Food
Waste Grain, young grass and grain shoots
Remarks
Ross Goose is the smallest of the geese also the rarest. Only a few thousand remain of this species. Ross Goose is now a managed bird in hopes that this species may be saved. Migration is during the latter half of September and is along a fairly narrow flyway through Alberta.
White Fronted Goose
Identification
Head, neck, back and wings grayish brown, darkest on lower back. White band around face at base of beak from which its name derived breast and abdomen light grayish brown with transverse blotches of black and white giving rise to the local name speckle belly upper and lower tail coverts white , tail brownish black beak pink with yellow edges. Legs yellow orange. Immature similar but lacking the white faced head and black mark on the abdomen which is grayish white.
Range
Breeds in the arctic, migrates through Alberta to Winter in regions of California to Mississippi.
Nesting
On the ground in the tundra. Nest of reeds, mosses and lined with down. Eggs 4 to 7 creamy white.
Food
Marsh grass, waste grain, plants of marshy areas and aquatic plants.
Remarks
Apparently white fronted geese rarely migrated through Alberta until about 30 years ago. Today these gray gees with yellowish legs are part of the hunter’s bag. Rarely over 6 pounds in weight. Indians interpretation of it’s call is a high pitched rapidly repeated wa-wa.
Black Brant
Identification
Similar to the Canada Goose. It has a black head and neck but lacks the white cheeks. On the water the tail or hind end rides higher than that of a Canada Goose.
Range
Mainly along salt water bays, rocky shores and tidal flats. During migration they may occasionally stop along rivers and cultivated fields.
Nesting
Nest on the ground, lined with down in hollow of ground or a mound made from moss and lichen. Eggs 3 to 5 Creamy white.
Food
Eel grass, sea algae, roots, or marsh grasses.
Remarks
This bird is occasionally confused with the Canada Goose. Although he is much smaller in size. Field studies indicate the American Brant and the Black Brant do not interbreed. It is therefore logical to assume they are two distinct species.
Puddle Ducks
Puddle ducks are typically birds of fresh shallow marshes and rivers rather than large lakes and bays. They are good divers, but usually feed by dabbling or tipping rather than submerging.
The speculum or colored wing patch is generally irridescent and bright and often a telltale field mark.
Any ducks feeding in croplands will likely be puddle ducks. For most of this group are sure footed and can walk and run well on land.
They ride higher in the water than divers, and launch themselves directly upward when rising, whether from land or water.
Legs place near center of body.
Tip up to feed, rarely dive
Generally have metallic speculum
Usually swim with tail held clear of water
Hind toe not lobed
Foot smaller than in diving ducks
Spring air on take off.
Mallard Ducks
Identification
Male head and upper neck are iridescent green with a white ring or band separating the chestnut lower neck and breast. Back and wings brownish gray. Female, upper parts brown streaked black. Throat and forneck buffy and under parts buffy gray spotted with brown gray legs of male and female orange red.
Range
Throughout North America, Winters from Southern Canada to Panama
Nesting
On the ground nest of grass and leaves lined with down. Eggs 8 to 12, buffy green.
Food
Grasses, harvest fields. Seed and various surface aquatic plants.
Remarks
Most common duck. Extremely hardy, winter as far North as it can find open water. Flocks often leave the water in early morning and late afternoon to feed in nearby harvest fields, returning to marches and creeks to spend the night.
Black Duck
Identification
Both male and female much like a very dark female mallard but the speculum bordered with black only. Speculum iridescent purple.
Range
Eastern North America however several have been trapped in the lake Athabasca delta region. Recently some have bee taken in the Hanna district as well. Winters in US
Nesting
On the ground, often some distance from water. Nest of grass and reeds lined with down. Eggs 8-12, buffy green.
Food
Eel grass, seeds, wild celery and grain, nocturnal feeders.
Remarks
A bird of the eastern region, using the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways. Shy and wary, regarded as the wariest of all duck. Often seen in company of mallards. But along the Atlantic coast frequents the salt marshes and the ocean much more than mallards. Only rarely found in Alberta. Flight is swift, usually small flocks in V or angular lines.
Pintail Duck
Identification
A large duck with long neck and pointed tail feathers, the central two much longer than others in male. Male head and upper neck dark brown extending down the rear of the neck as a dark stripe bordered with white. Wings gray with heavy black striped borders. Speculum iridescent green. Female head and neck buffy striped with brown except on throat. Upper parts brownish, black speculum grayish brown with green edge in front.
Range
Throughout Alberta winters in Southern US Central America and West indies.
Nesting
Nest on ground, nest of grass, leaves and lined with down. Eggs 8 to 12.
Food
Aquatic animal life, pond weed water grain and seeds
Remarks
Found in every flyway, most plentiful in the west. Extreme.y graceful, fast flier, fond of zig sagging from great heights before levelling off for a landing. Equally agile on land, visits croplands to glean food. Long neck and slender build are the best field marked. The bronzy green speculum with buffy front border is distinctive. Drakes whistle, hens have a hoarse quack.
Gadwall Duck
Identification
Head and neck pale buff streaked and spotted with brownish gray. Upper back breast and sides brownish gray finely barred with wavey lines of white inner feathers of speculum white, outer one black speculum bordered in front with a heavy band of black in front of which is a large patch of chestnut. Female fairly large size generally grayish appearance relieved only by the white patches on the wing close to body.
Range
General throughout most of Central and Southern Alberta. Winters in Souther US and Mexico.
Nesting
On the ground not far from water. Nest of grass lined with down. Eggs 7 to 12 cream or pale buff.
Food
The gadwall prefers to feed on shallow marshes upon weeds. Algae and other aquatic vegetation.
Remarks
The gadwell will dive for its food. However it is a true puddle duck. Muck algae filled shallow sloughs are their delight.
Shoveller Duck
Identification
Male; dark green iridescent head. Large spoon like bill, white breast, with chestnut sided and belly. Chalky blue patches on fore wings and two diagonal white streaks on back. Whitish tail endings. Female; resembles female mallard but bill looks too big for the bird.
Range
Generally throughout Alberta. Winter on Pacific and Southern US.
Food
The specialized bill is designed to sift mud and water through the sieve which adorns edges of mandibles and traps the edible material. They feed on seeds and plants as well.
Remarks
Early fall migrant, usual flight is steady and direct. When startled the small flocks fly erratically, twisting and turning like teal. Greatest number occur in the central and Pacific flyways. Often mistaken for the mallard in flight but the blue shoulders and long spoonbill are evident to the careful observer.
Baldpate, Widgeon Duck
Identification
Male crown white, remainders of head and neck speckled black and white except for a iridescent green patch behind the eye. Back upper breast and sides reddish brown, barred with black on back and side. White patch at front of wings speculum black with small spot of green. Female head and neck speckled grayish brown and white. Back barred with light and dark brown, wings as in mails but white patch marked with gray. Upper breast and sides buffy brown under parts white.
Range
Throughout Alberta, Winters from middle states South to Central America.
Nesting
On dry ground near water, nest of grass and weeds lined with down. Eggs 8 to 12 cream in color.
Food
90 percent of food is vegetable matter, pond weeds grasses and algae.
Remarks
Nervous birds quick to take alarm. Agile fliers usually in compact flocks. Flight is fast, irregular with many twists and turns. When feeding often accompanies diving ducks and robs them of food brought up from depths beyond the Widgeon’s capability.
Blue Winged Teal
Identification
Male, crown black remainder of head and upper neck bluish gray except a large white crescent between eye and beak. Back is brownish black, large patch on front of wing of light blue. Speculum iridescent green bordered by white on front. Upper parts brown spotted. Tail black with a distinctive white patch on side of base.
Female upper parts grayish brown, wings as in male but duller, throat white. Under parts white streaked with brown.
Range
Throughout Alberta migrates to Southern US, Central America and Northern half of South America.
Nesting
On the ground not far from water. Nest of grasses lined with down. Eggs 8 to 12 white or buffy white.
Food
Aquatic plants, seeds, grasses, leaves.
Remarks
Very early migrant the small compact flocks fly swiftly, often low over marshes twisting and dodging around trees and bushes. Twittering calls in flight are easily heard. They dabble in the muddy water picking up water insects and algae.
Green Winged Teal
Identification
Male, head and neck chestnut except a patch of iridescent green extending from the eye down the side of neck and with gray wings and back.
Range
Throughout Alberta migrates to southern US, Mexico and West Indies.
Nesting
On the ground not far from water. Nest of grasses lined with down. Eggs 6 to 12 white or buffy white.
Food
Aquatic insects plants, seeds and grasses
Remarks
Quite hardy, some birds stay as far North as open water is found. Flight, sometimes in large flocks always swift erratic all members twisting and circling as one unit. It is a very small duck. Nests as far North as Alaska, migrates South through all four flyways. Drakes whistle and twitter, hens have a slight quack.
Cinnamon Teal
Identification
Head neck underparts and sides chestnut, crown brownish black, back and tail brownish black wing is same as blue winged teal. Female similar to female blue winged teal, but more heavily marked on sides of head and chin with hint of chestnut on under parts.
Range
Breeds in Southern BC fairly scarce east of Rockies although occasional birds are taken in the Red Deer Calgary area. Some nesting pairs have been reported in the Brooks district.
Nesting
On the ground usually near water. Nest of grass lined with down. Eggs 9 to 13 creamy white.
Food
Aquatic plants seeds grasses and leaves.
Remarks
In the fall small numbers are undoubtedly shot in Alberta. However are easily mistaken for blue winged. Rare east of the Rocky Mountains. Flight characteristics like blue wings. But usually there is only one family in a flock. They are trusting and often slow to take alarm. They dabble in shallow sloughs or sit about on muddy shores during the heat of the day.
Diving Ducks
Diving ducks frequent the larger, deeper lakes and rivers and coastal bays and inlets.
The colored wint patches of these birds lack the brilliance of the speculums of puddle ducks. But are still important field marks in most species. Since most of them have short tails their huge paddle feet may be used as rudder in flight. And are often visible on flying birds. When launching into flight most of this group patter along the water before becoming airborne.
They feed by diving often to considerable depths. To escape danger they can travel great distances underwater, emerging only enough to show their head or bill tip before submerging again.
Since their wings are small in proportion to the size and weight of their bodies they have a rapid wingbeat in comparison with puddle ducks.
- Legs set near rear of body
- Dive completely under water to secure feed.
- Speculum generally dull, lacks iridescence.
- Usually swim with tail held close to water.
- Hind toe lobed foot large
- On take-off patter along surface for some distance.
Ruddy Duck
Identification
Male, crown and nape black with face, cheeks and chin white. Neck and upper parts reddish brown becoming blackish on rump and tail. Underparts grayish white with wavy brownish bars most distinct on sides. Large bright blue beak. Female underparts dull black, darkest on crown with some faint barring. Face cheeks and chin dull white. A faint dusky line from base of beak to ear. Rest of underparts grayish.
Range
Throughout Alberta with exception of Mountains winters from Northern US to Central America.
Nesting
Usually over water, nest of reeds and rushes securely attached to rushes just inches above water.
Food
Mainly pondweed and aquatic insects.
Remarks
This duck often swims away or dives rather than flushing. Its rise from the water is awkward seemingly with great effort. Once under way the flight is sometimes jerky, noisy and of uneven pace.
Ring Necked Duck
Identification
Head and neck black with purplish iridescence. A thin collar of brown around lower neck. Upper parts brownish black. Speculum gray. Breast black. Rest of underparts and sides white with some fine dark barring sides. Beak slaty blue with white base and white band near tip. Female upper parts blackish brown on hind neck and upper black blacker on rump speculum gray. Forneck throat and ring around base of beak whitish rest of under parts white vaguely marked with brown.
Range
Throughout central and Northern Alberta. Winters in southern BC Western US and Central America.
Nesting
In marsh or edge of sloughs. Nest of grass reeds and rushes lined with down. Eggs 6 to 12 olive buff.
Food
Essentially pond weed and various aquatic insects.
Remarks
Up to a dozen in a flock fly in open formation and usually come directly into landing without circling. Hens are easily confused with female redheads. Absence of dark edge on speculum helps distinguish from hen scaup. Drake purr hens usually silent.
Common Goldeneye
Identification
A medium size duck with a short neck and puffy head. Male: Head and upper neck black with green iridescence except a large white spot between beak and eye. Rest of underparts and neck is white. Upper parts black with white streaks on scapulars and large white area on wings. Female: head and neck are chocolate brown and rest of underparts grayish black. The wings have much white, mainly on the secondaries.
Range
Generally throughout North and Central Alberta. Winter on coasts and throughout most of the US.
Nesting
In holes of hollow trees or stumps. The nest is a mass of down and feathers in the bottom of cavity. Eggs 8-12 Grayish Green
Food
Aquatic insects, snails, shrimp, seeds and tubers
Remarks
Distinctive wing whistling sound in flight has earned the name of the whistler. Active strong winged fliers, moving in small flocks Often high in the air. Frequently rise in rapid spirals. Exceedingly wary. Drakes purr, hens usually silent.
White Winged Scoter
Identification
Male: Entirely black sometimes with brownish tinge and usually paler on underparts. A thin white crescent under the eye. Speculum is white. Black beak with a prominent knob at its base. While the tip s orange. Iris of eye is white. Legs a dull red. Female: underparts blackish brown with a faint white mark behind the eye, speculum white, underparts grayish brown. Beak and legs brownish black. Iris is brown.
Range
Throughout Alberta with exception of mountain regions. Winters along both Atlantic and pacific coasts ranging as far south as California.
Nesting
On the ground in light woods or prairies. Nest is a depression in the ground lined with grass and down. Eggs 6-10 pinkish buff
Food
Aquatic insects, and most underwater plant life.
Remarks
The Scoter is a large slow flying bird making it a relatively easy target for the hunter. But few are taken because their flesh has a strong fishy flavor.
Surf Scoter
Identification
Male: a white patch on forehead between eyes and a triangle across nape and pointing down hind neck. Remainder black or brownish black. Iris white. Legs orange. Female: top of head to lower level of eyes black. White patch on ear and another near base of beak. Abdomen mottled light and dark grey. Rest of head. Neck and body dusky brown. Beak slaty black. Iris brown. Legs black tinged with yellow.
Range
Fairly common in North Eastern Alberta. Winter on both Pacific and Atlantic sea coasts. As far South as California.
Nesting
On the ground on islands of lakes. Nest of reeds and grass lined with down. Eggs 5-8 cream in color.
Food
Aquatic plant life, snails and insects.
Remarks
Most nesting occurs in the Athabasca delta area during the months of June and July. There is much bickering and displaying by the males, especially if the sexes are not equally distributed in the group. If disturbed the Surf Scoter easily becomes air-born, flying close to the water. The whistle of their wings as they take off can easily be heard for two to three hundred yards.
Canvasback
Identification
Male; head and neck are reddish brown. Lower neck and upper breast black. Rump and tail regions black. The remainder of the back is white, finely bared with thin lines of black. However, producing a canvas gray effect. Sides and rest of underparts white. Female; head, neck and upper breast are brown with a slight tinge of red on head and chest. Back, wings and sides brown. The feathers edged with white producing a brown gray effect. Rest of underparts grayish white.
Range
Breeds mainly in North Central Alberta. Winters in Southern US and Mexico
Nesting
In rushes or reeds over shallow water. Nest a burly mass of reeds. Just above the water level. Eggs 7-9 pale olive.
Food
Underwater roots, plants, wild cherry, shrimp, shell fish and pond weeds.
Remarks
Extremely powerful fliers, migrating in lines and irregular vees. Wingbeat is rapid and noisy. On water, body size and head shape distinguish them from scaups and redheads. At all seasons large size and shape of head will distinguish the Canvasback. The crown slopes gradually back from the beak. Al line from the middle of the beak to the back of the crown being practically straight. Drakes croak, peep and growl. Hens quack, similar to a mallard hen.
Redhead
Identification
Male; head and upper neck chestnut. Lower neck, breast and upper back brownish black. Back, wings and sides are white with fine wavey black bars. Lower belly and breast are white. Female; head and neck dull reddish brown, paler on foreneck and white on chin. Back and wings dark grayish brown. Upper breast and sides brownish, remainder of underparts white with brown mottling.
Range
Throughout Northern and Central Alberta. Winters from Southern BC to Mexico and West Indies.
Nesting
In clumps of reeds and rushes over water. Nest of reeds lined with moss. Eggs 8-14 cream or buff
Food
Mostly vegetation, leaves and sedge weeds, roots and bulbs also various insects.
Remarks
Often found with Canvasback. During migration, large flocks are seen. Movements in the air always seem to be hurried. Usually spends the day in large rafts in deep water. Feeds morning and evening in shallower sections. A large diving duck most easily confused with the Canvasback.
Bufflehead
Identification
Male; feather on head are long giving it a puffy appearance. Black with purple and green sheen. Large white V from the eye across the top of the head. Back, black shading to light gray on tail bordered with white at base of the wings. Wings black except for large white patch on coverts and secondaries. Female; head not as puffy as drakes. Brownish black except for a small white patch behind the ewy. Under parts grayish white becoming dark gray on sides and under tail.
Range
Throughout Northern and Central Alberta. Winters on Pacific and Atlantic coasts, occasionally on the great lakes.
Nesting
In hollow trees or stumps. Eggs 9-14 buffy or creamy white.
Food
Plant seeds, fish and aquatic insects
Remarks
Drakes are conspicuous for their black and white design and small size. Flushes straight up or patter along on water. Flocks are small, usually mostly hens and young Drakes. Flight is normally low, wing beat is rapid. A late migrant and will remain as far North as open water permits. Each year a few Buffleheads spend the Winter on the Bow River just Southeast of Calgary. Usually silent, drakes squeal, and have a guttural note. Hens quack weakly.’
Greater Scaup
Identification
Mail; almost identical to Lesser Scaup but the iridescence on the head is greenish. There is more white at the base of the primaries, and the sides have less barring. Females of the two Scaup species have no real color difference. The species are separate on the basis of size. Shape and structure of beak.
Range
There are only occasional sightings of greater Scaup in Alberta. Winters along Atlantic Coast from New York state South as far as Northern South America
Nesting
On dry ground close to water. Nest of grass and leaves lined with down eggs 8-12 olive buff
Food
Various aquatic plants and insects.
Remarks
Frequents the largest bodies of water where it rafts up during the day. Hunters who find Scaups of large size in their bag might save a wing for checking by an Ornithologist. From such information the exact status of the Greater Scaup in Alberta will be learned. Drakes utter a discordant scaup, hens are silent.
Lesser Scaup
Identification
Male; head, neck and foreparts of back and breast black. The head and neck with purplish iridescence. Bak finely barred with black and white producing a wavey effect. Lower back and tail black with iris of the eye yellow. Female; wide white band or patch around the base of the beak. Sides brown. Grayish brown on back and upper breast with the rest of underparts white. Iris yellow.
Range
Throughout Central and Northern Alberta. Winters southern US and Central America.
Nesting
On dry ground close to water. Nest of grasses, leaves lined with down. Eggs 8-12, olive buff
Food
Plants, roots and aquatic insects.
Remarks
The Lesser Scaup is a late nester and haying operations in early July destroy many nests. Immediately after hatching the young are led into the water. Here they join other families to form large groups.
Common Merganser
Identification
Male; head and upper neck glossy greenish black without evident crest. Lower neck and underparts white with delicate pink blush. Back is black becoming gray on rump and tail. Most of wing and coverts white with singe black bar. Iris, beak and legs reddish.
Range
Throughout North Central Alberta winters from Southern Canada to Mexico.
Nesting
On the ground under boulders or in woods. Sometimes in hollow trees. Nest of grass lined with down. Eggs 9-15 pale buff.
Food
Mostly fish and other aquatic insect life.
Remarks
The Merganser often works as a team. Advancing in line over the water and diving for fish which are driven before them. Their flesh is not palatable.
Red-Breasted Merganser
Identification
Male; head and upper neck glossy green black. Long double pointed crest on crown and nape. Back black becoming gray on rump. Two rows of white spots near bend of wing. Wig, except primaries mostly white with two black wing bars. Reddish brown bar around lower neck. Separated from dark head by white ring. Iris, beak and legs red. Female; ragged crest head and neck brown fading to whitish on throat. Rest of upper parts grayish brown. Speculum white bordered in front by black then white stripes. Sides brownish gray edged with white. Rest of underparts white. Iris, beak, and legs red.
Range
Throughout Northern Alberta. Winters along Pacific and Atlantic coasts and gulf of Mexico
Nesting
In a crevice in rocks or in dense growth near water. Nest of grass lined with down. Eggs 8-10 Olive Buff.
Food
Fish, snails, various aquatic insects.
Remarks
Juveniles and many adult drakes resemble hens during migration. For adult mails grow out of eclipse plumage late. Voice; croaks, seldom heard. Mergansers are fish eaters with thin bills equipped with say like edges that help them hold onto minnows and other small fish.
Coot, Mud Hen
Identification
Head and neck black. Rest of body slatty black. Tips of secondaries white forming a narrow white line on wing. Beak is white extending up onto the forehead. Iris head. Legs green. The towes have large scalloped webs on each side.
Range
Throughout Alberta. Winters from Southern BC South to Northern South America.
Nesting
Nest of reeds and rushes attached to vegetation but floating on water. Eggs 8-12 cream with dark brown spots.
Food
Aquatic vegetation. They also scavenge along the shore picking up snails, insects and dead animal matter.
Remarks
When swimming often confused with ducks. But their short beak and bobbing motion of the neck will identify the coot. When forced to fly it must patter along the water. For some distance before it becomes airborne. The flesh is much too strong to be palatable.
Common, Wilson’s Snipe
Identification
Beak is straight. Very long, 2.5 to 3 inches, and slender. Crown brownish black with white median stripe. Pale buff strip over eye and black stripe from beak to eye. Hind neck, back and wings brownish black streaked with white and buff. Throat buffy. Neck, breast, and sides buffy barred and streaked with brown. Remainder of underparts white. Tail reddish brown barred with black.
Range
Throughout Alberta. Winters in Southern US, Central America and Northern South America.
Nesting
On a hummock in marshes and muskegs. Nest a depression lined with grass and leaves. Eggs 4, olive buff or brownish heavily marked with dark brown.
Food
Worms and insects which he probes for in the mud.
Remarks
In the Spring while the female is incubating the males rise high overhead to perform a courtship flight. Wings fluttering he spirals in great circles, his spread tail produces a who, who sound as the air passes through the stiff feathers.
Sandhill Crane
Identification
A large brownish slate colored bird. Standing over three feet high. A reddish bare patch covers the crown and forehead. Beak and legs are black.
Range
Summers; From Alaska to Baffin Island
Winters; Southern US and Mexico
Nesting
On the ground in marshes. Nest, a depression in a dry spot in muskeg or on a muskrat house. Lined with grass and reed. Eggs 2 olive buff lightly spotted with brown.
Food
Roots, insects, crustaceans, frogs and mice making up most of their food. The berries and grain are still their staple foods at other seasons.
Remarks
Often confused with Great Blue Heron. However in flight the crane extends neck to full length, whereas the heron folds it over the back. Flocks of cranes in flight can be distinguished from geese by their habit of circling in a thermal updraft.
