More detailed descriptions of these groups (based upon Palmer 1949; Spencer 

 1975; and unpublished data of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and 

 Wildlife) are given below. 



Resident Waterfowl 



Although the term resident, as defined here, is useful, it should not be 

 interpreted literally to mean the same individuals of a species remain in 

 Maine throughout the year. For example, black ducks and goldeneyes that breed 

 in Maine may winter elsewhere, and most black ducks and goldeneyes that winter 

 on the Maine coast may breed elsewhere. Only a few waterfowl are permanent 

 breeding residents. Black ducks probably come the closest; some breed in 

 inland waters but winter along the coast. 



Among the resident species listed in table 15-1, the black duck is by far the 

 most important because it is highly sought as a game bird, rates high as a 

 table bird, and comprises over 30% of the annual statewide waterfowl kill. A 

 ground nester, the black duck is abundant throughout the year in coastal Maine 

 and comprises at least 35% of the breeding population. From 10,000 to 30,000 

 black ducks winter on the Maine coast. 



The mallard has always been present in Maine but in small numbers. Mixed 

 pairs of male mallards and female black ducks commonly occur. The mallard is 

 as popular and widely sought as the black duck, but the mallard comprises less 

 than 5% of the annual hunting kill. In winter most mallards are scattered 

 among the black duck flocks, some of which are domestic mallards turned wild. 



The goldeneye, an inland breeder, is the only resident diving duck in Maine. 

 It breeds mostly in northeast Maine but is thought to also breed occasionally 

 in eastern and central Maine. Banding data indicate very few goldeneyes 

 reared in Maine are brought down by hunters, or winter in Maine. The origin 

 of migrating or wintering goldeneyes is not known. This duck contributes only 

 about 3% of the annual hunter's kill. The goldeneye, and the smaller 

 bufflehead, comprise much of the coastal duck hunting when black ducks are 

 scarce . 



The hooded and American mergansers appear to qualify as residents. The hooded 

 merganser breeds throughout the state. The American merganser, much less 

 abundant than the hooded merganser, also thrives throughout the state but 

 tends to avoid the more southerly coastal areas. Although the mergansers are 

 not usually considered a desirable table bird because of their fish eating 

 habits, they comprise about 2% of the annual hunting take. From 2000 to 3000 

 mergansers winter along the coast. 



The American merganser breeds in small numbers along the coast. Among the 

 ducks, the size and survival of the broods of individual mergansers are 

 unusually high. Factors limiting their general abundance in coastal Maine are 

 not known. In winter this duck is common offshore, usually near islands or in 

 tidal estuaries. Pilot studies suggest this species may serve as an indicator 

 of biocides and heavy metals in coastal waters (personal communication from R. 

 B. Owen, Jr., School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, Orono, ME.; 

 February, 1979) . 



15-8 



