Wigeon in the Chesapeake Bay have traditionally been 
associated with the canvasback and tundra swan, and usually fed 
in vegetated areas. During the 1950s, over 80% were recorded 
along the Eastern Shore of the Bay (Stewart 1962). Wigeon 
typically ate the upper vegetated parts of plants that were 
discarded or dislodged by canvasback or other waterfowl, 
although they also fed on winter buds of wild celery (Valli- 
sneria americana) (Stewart 1962). During the 1960s, wigeon fed 
on the exotic plant eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spica- 
turn) more than any other duck species (Rawls 1978). Because the 
wigeon was unable to change to alternate food sources as some 
other species did, wigeon numbers in the Bay declined as the 
amount of vegetation decreased. 
Northern Pintail 
The pintail (Ana acuta) is mainly a Pacific Flyway duck 
although large numbers have occurred in the Chesapeake Bay 
(Table 1; Fig. 4). Peak populations occurred in 1956 (78,211) 
but numbers declined to a low of only 400 in 1970. The long¬ 
term average number of pintail in the Chesapeake Bay is 16,282. 
During the 1980s, an average of only 3,935 ducks were recorded 
which was 79% lower than the pre-1980s average of 18,982. The 
average number of pintail in the Atlantic Flyway during the 
1980s was 52,657, and most were recorded in the Carolinas. 
Continental pintail populations reached an all-time low in 1986. 
The pintail, like the wigeon, was most common in the Chesa¬ 
peake Bay during periods of good breeding conditions in Canada 
and excellent winter habitat in the Chesapeake Bay. With the 
loss of SAV in the Bay, pintail populations have decreased, and 
it seems that this species was unable to take advantage of alter¬ 
nate food sources, with one notable exception. Perry and Uhler 
(1981) found that pintail from the James River had fed on the 
Asiatic fresh-water clam (Corbicula manilensis) more than any of 
the other duck species examined. However, umbrella sedges 
(Cyperus spp.), rice cutgrass, and smartweeds were predominant 
foods. 
Canvasback 
The canvasback (Aythya valisineria) has traditionally been 
synonymous with the Chesapeake Bay, and large numbers have 
wintered in the Bay (Table 1; Fig. 5), especially in the Susque¬ 
hanna Flats area. During the heyday of market hunting the 
canvasback continually commanded top price among ducks in the 
market. It is not known how many canvasbacks once frequented 
the Bay, but aerial surveys since 1948 showed that peak numbers 
were recorded in 1954 (399,320). Canvasback populations 
plummeted shortly afterwards to a low of 48,120 in 1958. 
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