California Breeding Waterfowl Population Status – 2010

The California Department of Fish and Game completed our State’s annual spring waterfowl breeding population survey in late April and early 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 541,300 breeding ducks in California.  This number represents an 6% increase from 2009 and a 9% decrease from the State’s long-term average.  Mallards remain the most abundant breeding duck in California.  The 2010 estimated breeding mallard population is 367,892 birds. Mallard numbers are up 22% from 2009's estimate of 301,959. Mallard numbers have once again reached California's long-term avereage of 366,980.

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 nearly 80% 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 will begin capturing and banding this years crop of hatch-year mallards in late June at selected traditional stations.  Results from our banding program will provide greater insight as to how productive our local birds were in 2010. 

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>>