What are the impacts of human disturbance on breeding and wintering harlequin ducks? 



Several independent studies have documented the sensitivity of harlequin ducks to human disturbance 

 during the breeding season, however behavior varies among individuals and breeding areas. Effects of 

 human disturbance on behavior, productivity, and survival in breeding and wintering areas should continue 

 to be examined. 



Are distinct metapopulations ("such as a Rocky Mountain breeding population - ) identifiable within the 

 Pacific range of harlequin ducks? 



Harlequin ducks exhibit a fairly high degree of ecological and behavioral variability, such differences in 

 habitat use and timing of breeding activities, across their range. Some subpopulations migrate hundreds of 

 miles to montane breeding areas, while others breed on coastal streams. Yet although they are philopatric 

 to breeding areas, mixing occurs on molting and wintering areas. Pair-bonding may occur in both breeding 

 and wintering areas. The degree of genetic differences among and within wintering and breeding 

 subpopulations would allow assessment of the extent of mixing and would help determine the appropriate 

 management unit. 



What are the characteristics of harlequin duck migration? How well defined are migratory stag in g areas 

 and migration corridors? What is the extent and nature of monements in coastal and inland areas? 



Movement, migration, and dispersal patterns within and between breeding and wintering areas are little 

 known. Investigatation through radiotelemetry, banding, and other techniques is needed to better 

 understand these patterns. 



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