Tracking Seasonal Movements of Adult Male Harlequin Ducks from Central Labrador Using Satellite Telemetry

Abstract

Abstract Satellite telemetry was used to determine the migration patterns between breeding, staging, and molting areas of adult male Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) breeding in central Labrador during 2001 (N = 5) and 2002 (N = 6). Male Harlequin Ducks remained near their capture locations for an average of 19-20 d. Males spent an average of 18 and 34 d on the Labrador coast in 2001 and 2002, respectively, and moved along the coast between several important staging areas prior to migration to Greenland. Male Harlequin Ducks may be completing a pre-basic molt prior to migrating to Greenland. Seven males migrated from the Labrador coast to three distinct molting areas in Greenland. All transmitters expired by September preventing a confirmation of whether these males wintered in Greenland. The absence of band sightings during winter in eastern Canada, especially Maine, indicates that some Harlequin Ducks breeding in central Labrador may also winter in eastern Greenland.