Abstract
Knowledge of many aspects of the breeding ecology of surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) is still lacking, partly due to the remoteness of the boreal forest regions where they commonly breed. Documentation of duckling survival and use of space by broods is important in understanding population dynamics and habitat requirements of waterfowl. These aspects were documented at Lake Malbaie (Québec, Canada) in 1994 and 1995. Duckling mortality was estimated at 65% in 1994 and 55% in 1995 and was probably influenced by weather conditions shortly after hatch. Females with broods showed a strong preference for portions of the lake with water depths < 2 m and where islands or wooded shorelines offered protection from dominant winds; both of these factors reduced wave amplitude, which may have facilitated food acquisition for ducklings. Home ranges of 7 broods accompanied by marked females varied in size from 28 to 173 ha (mean 94.5 ± 7.5 ha).
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