THE BIRDS OF NEBRASKA
AND ADJACENT PLAINS STATES
Paul A. Johnsgard

GoTo Page Two

Begin Page Three

Family Anatidae Black-bellied Whistling Duck -- Dendrocygna autumnalis Accidental . A duck hunter killed an adult male of this species near Ong, Clay County, on October 29, l989 (Nebraska Bird Review 58:9l), and two were seen in Lancaster County in 1993 (Nebraska Bird Review 61:136). (Mute Swan) -- Cygnus olor Hypothetical . Sightings from Scottsbluff in 1969 were almost certainly those of an escaped captive bird. Tundra Swan -- Olor columbianus An uncommon or occasional spring and fall migrant in Nebraska, primarily to be expected in eastern and northeastern areas, but rarely observed as far west as Garden and Dawes counties. It is a regular and common migrant in the northern portions of the Plains States. Migration: Twenty springs sightings range from January 1 to May 15, with a median of March 27. Eleven fall sightings are from October 21 to December 14, with a median of November 22. Habitats: Shallow lakes, marshes and adjacent flooded fields are used by migrants. Comments: Previously known as the whistling swan, this species new name reflect a merger with the Bewick's swan of the Old World, and described its breeding habitat very well. Most tundra swans miss Nebraska while migrating, either turning east in Minnesota toward the Atlantic coast, or west in North Dakota toward the Great Salt Lake region of Utah. Trumpeter Swan -- Olor buccinator An extremely rare spring and fall migrant and local summer resident in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Probable pair or Family-group migrants (from South Dakota?) have also been observed in many western and southern counties. This species originally nested in the state, but was extirpated and apparently absent until the late 1960s, when recolonization occurred as a result of releases made in South Dakota. Nesting has since occurred in many Sandhills lakes, mainly in Cherry and Grant counties, but with breeding-season usage also reported from marshes in Sheridan, Garden and Brown counties (Nebraska Bird Review 52:19-22; 62:105). In l995 the Nebraska population totaled about 150 birds. Migration: Eight spring sightings are from January 24 to May 23, with a mean of March 28. Six fall sightings are from August 10 to November 7, with a mean of October 6. Habitats: Migrants are found on lakes , large marshes, and impoundments. Breeding occurs on large shallow marshes or lakes having abundant submerged vegetation, emergent plants, and stable water levels. Wetlands used during the breeding season average about 180 acres, with about 75 percent open water and having slight to (infrequently) medium salinity levels. Comments: This is the heaviest of all Nebraska's birds, and perhaps the most regal. These swans prefer to nest on large Sandhills marches having a substantial amount of freedom from human disturbance. The birds are only slightly migratory, sometimes moving south as far as Kansas during winter. Studies by Harold Burgess suggest that Nebraska is currently one of the nation's most important wintering areas for the species. Bean Goose -- Anser fabalis Accidental . Observed and photographed at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge from December 29, l984 to January 10, l985 (Nebraska Bird Review 53:3). Greater White-fronted Goose -- Anser albifrons A common spring and fall migrant throughout Nebraska, becoming abundant in the central Platte Valley and Rainwater Basin. Migrants occur throughout the Plains States, but are more common in western and central areas than toward the east. Migration: Twenty-nine initial spring sightings are from February 12 to May 12, with a median of March 12. Seventeen final spring sightings are from March 23 to May 18, with a median of April 14. Nineteen initial fall sightings are from September 14 to November 21, with a median of October 23. Fifteen final fall sightings are from October 12 to December 29, with a median of November 6. Habitats: Migrants are associated with large marshes, shallow lakes, wide rivers with bars and islands, and adjacent agricultural grain fields. Comments: This fine goose, often called "specklebelly" by hunters, concentrates in the Platte Valley in spring, with about 80 percent of the entire mid-continent population then concentrated in the state. It breeds in the high arctic, often near snow geese, but is not a colonial nester like that species. Its distinctive "laughing" voice makes is easily recognizable. Snow Goose -- Chen caerulescens A spring and fall migrant throughout Nebraska, less common westwardly but abundant in the Missouri River Valley and, recently, the central Platte Valley . The bluish morph ("blue goose") and less common intermediate (heterozygotic) types comprise about a third of the total population in eastern Nebraska, but are much less frequent westwardly. Migrants are abundant throughout the Plains States during spring and fall, particularly in the Missouri River Valley, which supports a mid-continental population of about two million birds . Migration: Thirty-six initial spring sightings range from January 8 to March 28, with a median of March 9. Twenty-six final spring sightings are from March 6 to May 20, with a median of April 20. Forty initial fall sightings are from August 19 to December 16, with a median of October 4. Thirty-eight final fall sightings are from October 26 to December 31, with a median of December 2. Habitats: Marshes, sloughs, riverbottom meadows and croplands such as corn fields are used on migration. Lakes or reservoirs near croplands are also utilized. Comments: Snow geese in the Great Plains have increased tremendously in the past few decades; current populations of about three million birds are more than their tundra breeding grounds can support The birds have also shifted their migration route somewhat farther west in Nebraska, especially during spring. Peak numbers during fall at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge sometimes reach 800,000 bird, and up to half a million may occur on large Rainwater Basin marshes, such as Harvard lagoon. Ross' Goose -- Chen rossi An increasingly common and regular spring and fall migrant in the state. It has been seen west to DeWitt Lake, Box Butte County, and has also been observed in Scotts Bluff, Dawes, and Garden counties. It is present each spring in the Rainwater Basin wetlands, at Plattsmouth Game Management Area in Cass County and many other eastern and Platte Valley counties, typically in the company of large flocks of snow geese. Ross' geese comprised an estimated two percent of the carcasses among l,200 white geese killed by a tornado passing near York, on March 13, 1990 (see Nebraskaland 68( 2): 34-4l, 1991). As many as 250 birds have been seen at a single location (Sutherland Reservoir). This goose is now probably a regular and uncommon migrant throughout the Plains States. Migration: Six spring records are from March 10 to April 13, with a mean of March 29. Five fall records are from November 10 to December 22, with a mean of November 26. Habitats: Found in the same habitats as snow geese . Comments: These tiny geese are easily overlooked among the vast flocks of snow geese with which they associate. A very few blue-morph Ross' geese have been seen recently in Nebraska, the genes perhaps entering the gene pool via hybridization with blue-morph snow geese. Emporer Goose -- Chen canagica Accidental. A specimen was found dead at Harvard Marsh during the spring of 1997 N.O.U..Newsletter, March/April, 1997). Canada Goose -- Branta canadensis A common to abundant migrant throughout Nebraska with widespread breeding and local overwintering. The "giant" race formerly bred in the state, but was eventually extirpated. Canada geese of this large subspecies have been released, and breeding now occurs throughout the northern and western Sandhills as well as around Lake McConaughy (Rosche, l994; Brown et al., 1996). Success has also been obtained by restocking efforts in many wetland areas of eastern Nebraska ; thousands of pairs of large Canada geese now breed in the state. Overwintering is now normal in the Platte Valley, both by large residential flocks and migratory flocks of the smaller races. Breeding also occurs in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Kansas, and migrants are widespread throughout the region Migration: Forty-five initial spring sightings are from January 4 to April 3, with a median of March 27. Forty-one final spring sightings are from March 19 to May 30, with a median of April 28. Fifty-three initial fall sightings are from July 28 to December 20, with a median of October 13. Fifty-four final fall sightings are from October 18 to December 31, with a median of December 10. Habitats: Migrant birds are found on large marshes, lakes or reservoirs, and nearby grain fields. Breeding is typical on prairie marshes, or sometimes on larger lakes with islands or muskrat houses. Comments . These fine geese have become widespread breeders in Nebraska in recent years, having adapted to small farm ponds and city park lagoons as well as spreading through the Sandhills' wetlands. Various smaller races that breed in Canada are also abundant migrants through the state, and up to 100,000 may winter in ice-free locations. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period. Brant -- Branta bernicla Accidental . Besides some early records for Buffalo and Hamilton counties, there are recent sight records for Webster County (1960), Nemaha County (1959), and Adams County (1957). Barnacle Goose -- Branta leucopsis Accidental . A specimen was shot in Otoe County during November of 1968 (Nebraska Bird Review 37:2). Wood Duck -- Aix sponsa An uncommon spring and fall migrant and summer resident in eastern Nebraska, but less common westwardly, and becoming rather rare in the Panhandle and Sandhills. Breeding was originally limited to the Missouri's forested valley and the lower portions of the Platte Valley, probably west to about Kearney. This species is significantly extending its range westwardly, and probable Family groups have been seen as far west as Box Butte Reservoir, Dawes County, Victoria Springs, Custer County, and Gering, Scotts Bluff County. Breeding mainly occurs in the eastern half of the Plains States, and most migrants are also found in this area. Migration: Sixty-nine initial spring sightings are from January 17 to June 7, with a median of March 28. Half of the sightings fall within the period March 13 to April 8. Thirty-five final fall sightings are from September 10 to December 31, with a median of October 21. Half of the records fall within the period October 3-30. Habitats: Throughout the year this species is associated with tree-lined rivers, creeks, oxbows and lakes, and usually breeds near slow-moving rivers, sloughs or ponds where large trees are found. Comments: Wood ducks have become much more widespread and common in Nebraska recently, both because of nest-box erection programs and also the increasing growth and maturation of riverine forests along major river systems. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period. Green-winged Teal -- Anas crecca An abundant spring and fall migrant and an occasional summer resident . Breeding is essentially limited to the northern half of the state and is concentrated in the Sandhills. There seem to be no breeding records from south of the Platte River. Migrants occur throughout the Plains States, and breeding is regular in the Dakotas, western Minnesota and northwestern Iowa. Migration: Fifty-eight initial spring sightings range from January 1 to June 4, with a median of March 20. Half of the records fall within the period March 12-30. Fifty-five final spring sightings are from April 4 to June 10, with a median of May 10. Forty-six initial fall sightings are from August 3 to October 18, with a median of September 12. Forty-nine final fall sightings are from September 20 to December 31, with a median of November 2. Habitats: Migrants are associated with almost all standing or slowly-flowing aquatic habitats in Nebraska, and breeding normally occurs where ponds or sloughs are surrounded by a mixture of grassland, sedge meadows, and well drained areas supporting shrubby or tall woody vegetation. Comments: In spite of its small size, the green-winged teal is a very early spring migrant, appearing soon after mallards and northern pintails make their appearance. Then the males' cricket-like display calls become quite apparent, and their animated courtship displays are a delight to watch. It is also a fairly late fall migrant, remaining long after the blue-winged teals have departed. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population decline during that period. American Black Duck -- Anas rubripes A rare migrant in the eastern half of Nebraska, very rare in the west. Breeding is regular in Minnesota and occasional in North Dakota, and migrants are most commonly encountered in those two states. It is commonly observed at the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, on the Washington County - Iowa boundary. It has been observed west to Dawson, Keith and Cherry counties. Migration: Nine spring records range form March 1 to May 26, with a mean of March 26. There are fall records from August to December 22, and the species has been captured during winter banding operations in eastern Nebraska. Habitats: Usually found among flocks of mallards in Nebraska, and using the same habitats during migration. Comments: In Nebraska black ducks are seen only infrequently among mallard flocks, and many of these birds are actually mallard x black duck hybrids. Such hybridization by mallards has threatened the black duck's gene pool over nearly all of the eastern United States, with "pure" black duck populations now restricted to Canada's Atlantic coast. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population decline during that period. Mallard -- Anas platyrhynchos An abundant migrant and a locally common summer resident throughout Nebraska. Wintering birds are common wherever open water occurs. Migrants occur throughout the Plains States, and breeding occurs locally in all but the southernmost portions. The "Mexican duck" A. p. diazi and doubtfullly distinct mottled duck A. fulvigula are hypothetical in Nebraska. A specimen attributed to the former taxon was collected in Cherry County in October of 1921, and more recently a possible mottled duck was taken in Rock County in October of 1969 (Nebraska Bird Review 38:80). The 1921 specimen has since been proven to be a hybrid (N. Mex .Dept. Game and Fish Bulletin 16, 1977), and the other record is also suspect. Migration: Forty-three initial spring sighting are from January 1 to May 29, with a median of March 12. Half of the records fall within the period March 2 - April 3. Sixty-four final fall sightings are from August 25 to December 31, with a median of November 27. Half of the sightings fall within the period November 21 - December 28. Habitats: Breeding birds favor fairly shallow waters, either still or slowly flowing, and surrounding dry areas of non-forested vegetation. Migrants are often found on large marshes, lakes or reservoirs, especially where nearby grain fields provide food. Comments: This is Nebraska's commonest duck, and probably the most popular species among hunters. It is a hardy bird, usually overwintering in large numbers, and breeding even in locations as unlikely as the heart of Lincoln and Omaha wherever urban lakes and streams allow. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 20 to more than 50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population increase during that period. Northern Pintail -- Anas acuta An abundant spring and fall migrant and a common summer resident throughout Nebraska, breeding locally in suitable habitats. Frequently overwinters in considerable numbers where open water occurs. Migrants occur throughout the Plains States, and breeding is regular in all but the southernmost portions. Migration: Sixty initial spring sightings range from January 18 to May 29, with a median of March 12. Half of the records fall within the period February 27 to March 20. Fifty-seven final fall sightings range from September 16 to December 31, with a median of November 19. Half of the records fall within the period November 6 to December 18. Habitats: While on migration nearly all aquatic habitats are used, ranging from flooded fields to large lakes and reservoirs. Breeding is also near water areas ranging from small ponds to permanent marshes, but usually where the surrounding land is quite open and well drained. Comments: Pintails are among the most graceful of all our waterfowl, and by early March usually rival mallards in abundance. They are also among the commonest breeding ducks in Nebraska, along with mallards and blue-winged teal. During spring their wonderful courtship flights are simply breathtaking to watch, and the males' accompanying fluty display whistles are among the sweetest sounds of nature. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period. (Garganey) -- Anas querquedula Hypothetical. A male was reported by two birders on March 28 in Kearney County (N,O.U. Newsletter, March/April, 1997). Blue-winged Teal -- Anas discors An abundant spring and fall migrant and common summer resident throughout Nebraska. Migrants occur throughout the Plains States, and breeding is regular in all but the southernmost areas. Migration: Sixty-eight initial spring sightings range from February 10 to June 1, with a median of April 2. Half of the sightings fall within the period March 28 to April 10. Eighty-eight final fall sightings are from August 19 to December 31, with a median of October 10. Half of the records fall within the period September 24 to October 23. Habitats: Migrants are found on generally shallow ponds, ditches, marshes, and the like, and rarely occur in deep open water. Breeding is typically in marshes surrounded by native prairies and grassy sedge meadows. Comments: This is the commonest migrant "teal" in the state, and one of the latest duck species to arrive in spring, owing to its long migration from wintering grounds sometimes as far away as northern South America. It is also probably the most common breeding duck in Nebraska,, but few remain long in the fall, the birds usually departing shortly after the first freezing weather. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period. Cinnamon Teal -- Anas cyanoptera An uncommon spring and fall migrant in the western half of Nebraska, becoming rarer eastwardly but observed as far east as Sarpy and Dakota counties. Probably a local summer resident, but confusion with the blue-winged teal during summer makes the species' breeding status unclear. The birds are regularly present at Crescent Lake during summer, and there is a probable nesting record for that refuge. Breeding has also been reported at Facus Springs, Morrill County. It has also bred in several other Plains States, especially toward the southwest. Migration: Sixty-two initial spring sightings are from January 9 to June 6, with a median of April 26. Half of the sightings fall within the period April 8 to May 10. Six fall records are from July 13 to November 14, with a mean of September 19. Habitats: This species occupies the same habitats as does the blue-winged teal in Nebraska, and usually are found in flocks of that species. Comments: Persons wanting to see this beautiful little duck should consider visiting Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge in June, when as many as 6-8 males might be seen on a good day. Females are almost impossible to distinguish from female blue-winged teal, but have somewhat longer bills and are generally more uniformly brownish. Northern Shoveler -- Anas clypeata A common to abundant spring and fall migrant, and a common to uncommon summer resident in Nebraska, with breeding most frequent in the Sandhills area, and decreasing southeastwardly. It is a migrant throughout the Plains States, and breeds locally except in the southern and southeastern portions. Migration: Seventy initial spring sightings are from January 27 to June 6, with a median of March 23. Half of the sightings fall within the period March 11-30. Sixty-two final fall sightings range from September 5 to December 31, with a median of November 4. Half of the records fall within the period October 20 to November 20. Habitats: Migrants utilize aquatic habitats rich in zooplankton and phytoplankton, and during the nesting season the birds favor shallow prairie marshes rich in those food sources. Non-wooded shorelines are preferred over wooded ones, and mud-bottom ponds are also apparently preferentially used. Comments: Although generally despised by hunters because of their reputed poor taste and oversized bill, the shoveler's bill is a marvelously adapted structure, allowing the birds to extract plankton-sized materials from water. Further, in spring the males are one of our most attractively plumaged waterfowl. They arrive late, at about the time the blue-winged teals also appear, and males are soon actively engaged in aquatic head-pumping displays and noisy display flights. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population increase during that period. Gadwall -- Anas strepera A common to abundant spring and fall migrant and a common summer resident in Nebraska, primarily breeding north of the North Platte River and especially in the Sandhills. It also nests south to the Rainwater Basin of Clay and adjacent counties. Breeding also occurs widely in the Dakotas and western Minnesota. Migration: The range of 48 initial spring sightings is from January 3 to June 8, with a median of March 28. Half of the records fall within the period March 6 to April 8. Fifty final fall sightings range from October 4 to December 31, with a median of November 21. Half of the records fall within the period November 2 to December 2. Habitats: Migrants are normally found in shallow marshes and sloughs, and sometimes on deeper waters such as lakes and reservoirs. Nesting occurs preferentially on shallow prairie marshes, especially those having grassy or weedy islands or surrounding weedy cover. Comments: This drab-plumaged duck always reminds me of a painting by Whistler, the soft grays and blacks forming an understated masterpiece of simplicity and design. The vernacular name "gray duck" fits the bird well, and it is often overlooked by birders whose eyes are first attracted to the more brilliantly plumaged duck species. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-50 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period. Eurasian Wigeon -- Anas penelope Occasional migrant, at least during spring. Besides a single old specimen record from Cuming County (Bruner, Wolcott and Swenk, 1904), the species was reported in Adams County in March of 1955, in Lincoln County in November of 1966, and has also been observed at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Cherry County. It was also reported from Cedar County in 1993 and Clay County in 1996 (Brogie, 1997). Most records are for March and April; fall plumages would be difficult to separate from those of the American Wigeon. In recent years several reports suggest the species to be a regular spring migrant, especially in the Rainwater Basin. American Wigeon -- Anas americana A common to locally abundant spring and fall migrant throughout Nebraska, and a local and generally uncommon breeder, apparently confined to the northwestern parts of the Sandhills (south and east to Garden and Cherry counties). It is a migrant throughout the Plains States, and a regular breeder in the Dakotas and Minnesota. Migration: Sixty-seven initial spring sightings range from January 9 to May 28, with a median of March 22. Half of the sightings fall within the period March 6 to March 30. Thirty-four final spring sightings are from March 27 to June 6, with a median of May 3. Fifty initial fall sightings are from August 28 to December 17, with a median of September 30. Fifty final fall sightings are from October 9 to December 31, with a median of November 18. Habitats: During migration these birds are sometimes found on large lakes or reservoirs, but forage where submerged plants can easily be reached from the surface or around the shoreline in grassy meadows. Breeding is usually done on marshes or lakes with abundant aquatic food at or near the surface, and especially those with adjacent sedge meadows or brushy, partially wooded habitats nearby. Comments: This species, which was once called the "baldpate" because of the male's white forehead in breeding plumage, can be easily recognized in flight owing to the brilliant white forewing patches. It often associates with gadwalls, but is more inclined to feed on grassy vegetation along shorelines than are other surface-feeding ducks. Gadwalls and wigeon usually arrive about the same time as green-winged teal in spring, comprising a "second wave" of birds that appear after mallards and pintails. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population decline during that period. Canvasback -- Aythya valisineria An uncommon to locally common spring and fall migrant statewide, and a local summer resident in the Sandhills (Valentine and Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuges). Breeding also occurs in the Dakotas and western Minnesota, and migrants occur throughout the Plains States. Migration: Sixty-eight initial spring sightings are from February 12 to May 21, with a median of March 18. Half of the records fall within the period March 7 to March 30. Thirty-nine final fall sightings are from October 12 to December 31, with a median of November 14. Half of the records fall within the period October 29 through November 23. Habitats: On migration this species uses marshes, rivers and shallow lakes rich in submerged pond weeds and similar vegetation. Prairie marshes with abundant emergent vegetation and some areas of open water are favored for nesting. Comments: Canvasbacks have traditionally been regarded as regal ducks; their long sloping bills and robust outlines set them apart from most other ducks, and they are reputed to be among the most edible of all waterfowl. They are larger than redheads and generally paler in both sexes, and lack the high rounded head profile of that species. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period. Redhead -- Aythya americana A common spring and fall migrant statewide and locally common summer resident in the Sandhills west to Garden County, as well as breeding in the Rainwater Basin of Nebraska. This is the southernmost area of regular breeding in the Plains States. Breeding is regular in the Dakotas, Minnesota and Northern Iowa, and migrants occur throughout the Plains States. Migration: Sixty initial spring sightings range from February 9 to May 25, with a median of March 13. Half of the sightings fall within the period March 1 through March 20. Fifty-six final fall sightings are from October 9 to December 1, with a median of November 9. Half of the records fall within the period October 28 to November 19. Habitats: Migrants are found on large prairie marshes, lakes and reservoirs, especially where submerged vegetation is abundant. Nesting typically occurs on marshes at least an acre in size, having both open areas and stands of emergent vegetation. Comments: Redheads are considerably more common than canvasbacks in Nebraska, and can usually by seen during summer at Crescent Lake and Valentine refuges. In spring the male's red head is as bright as a newly minted penny, and his eyes are a brilliant yellow. Neck-stretching and head-throw displays are common then, accompanied by soft cat-like meowing calls. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period. Ring-necked Duck -- Aythya collaris An uncommon to common spring and fall migrant almost statewide, becoming less common in the Panhandle. It apparently has bred rarely in the Sandhills (reported by Oberholser [1920] to breed in Garden, Morrill, Cherry and Brown counties), but Nebraska is outside the regular breeding range of this species and there are no actual breeding records for Crescent Lake or Valentine refuges. Local breeding occurs in the Dakotas; breeding is regular in much of Minnesota. Migrants occur throughout the Plains States. Migration: Forty-two initial spring sightings are from February 12 to May 25, with a median of March 21. Half of the records fall within the period March 7 to March 30. Twenty-six final spring sightings are from March 24 to May 30, with a median of April 21. Twenty-seven initial fall sightings are from September 17 to December 7, with a median of October 12. Twenty-three final fall sightings are from October 27 to December 31, with a median of November 17. Habitats: Migrants are found on large prairie marshes, lakes and reservoirs, but prairie marshes are only secondary breeding habitats. Rather acidic swamps and bogs, surrounded by shrubby covers are the primary breeding habitat. Comments: This species, often called the "ring-billed duck.," is sometimes confused with the scaups, but is more closely related to the redhead, as is clear from its downy plumage pattern However, its breeding habitats are quite different from those of redheads, and it is now believed to be only a migrant in Nebraska. Nevertheless is common on migration, and in spring plumage the blackish back of the male easily sets it apart from the otherwise similar scaups. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population increase during that period. Greater Scaup -- Aythya marila Apparently an occasional migrant and winter visitor in Nebraska, probably more common than the few published records would suggest. It is probably regular during late fall, winter, and early spring on larger reservoirs and lakes. Although migrants might appear anywhere in the Plains States, they are probably most common in the Missouri Valley impoundments. Migration: Twenty-seven total spring records are from January 11 to May 18, with the largest number (12) for March, followed by April (8), and three each for February and May. There are fall records from October 27 to December 30. Habitats: Migrants and wintering birds utilize lakes and reservoirs in the interior, but most birds winter coastally. Comments: Males of the two scaup species are quite similar (and the females even more), but greater scaups have a greenish-glossed head (not purplish), and a much flatter crown profile, with no hint of a crest at the rear. The two species don't often associate because of their differing habitat preferences. Lesser Scaup -- Aythya affinis A common to abundant spring and fall migrant statewide, and an occasional summer resident in the Sandhills (probably Garden, Morrill, Cherry and Brown counties). Known to have nested at Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, but not at Valentine Refuge. Overwinters locally where open water is present. Also breeds in the Dakotas and locally in Minnesota. Migrants occur throughout the Plains States. Migration: Sixty-nine initial spring sightings are from February 12 to May 20, with a median of March 19. Half of the records fall within the period March 5 through March 25. Forty-three final spring records are from March 10 to June 6, with a median of May 11. Forty-five initial fall sightings are from July 20 to December 15, with a median of October 18. Thirty-one final fall sightings are from November 22 to December 31, with a median of December 14. Habitats: Deeper marshes, reservoirs, borrow-pits and lakes are commonly used by migrating birds. Prairie marshes surrounded by partially wooded uplands are favored for breeding, especially those supporting large populations of amphipods (scuds). Comments: This "bluebill" is a very common spring and fall migrant, and is perhaps the most abundant of the diving ducks in Nebraska. Males have bright blue bills in spring; like male ruddy ducks this blue coloration is probably caused by light refraction effects rather than blue pigmentation. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a probable population increase during that period. Common Eider -- Somateria mollissima Accidental . There is a specimen record for a female killed early December of 1967 in Lincoln County, which is of the Hudson Bay race sedentaria (Nebraska Bird Review 37:38). King Eider -- Somateria spectabilis Accidental . Photographed at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge 10-24 November, l985 (Bray et al., l986). Harlequin Duck -- Histrionicus histrionicus Accidental in Nebraska, with three early records from the Omaha area (one of which probably was from Burt County) (Bruner, Wolcott and Swenk, 1904). Oldsquaw -- Clangula hyemalis A rare fall and spring migrant statewide, but perhaps slightly more common eastwardly. Two or more records exist for Keith, Lancaster, Douglas and Washington counties, with at least eight for Douglas County. Probably more common now than earlier, before the formation of large reservoirs. As of 1933 there were less than a dozen definite records for the state (Nebraska Bird Review 1:11), but the species was seen almost every year in the 1970s. It is apparently rare throughout the Plains States. Migration: Thirteen total spring records are from February 3 to April 19, with a median of March 29. Ten total fall records are from October (no date) to December 11, with a median of November 27. Habitats: Lakes, reservoirs and larger rivers are used by migrating birds; most wintering is done in coastal habitats. Comments: Oldsquaws are called "long-tailed ducks" in Britain, which is a more descriptive and less racist name, but one that seems unlikely to take hold in America. The birds nest higher in the arctic than almost any other duck, and mostly occur in Nebraska as late fall and winter vagrants. Black Scoter -- Melanitta nigra An extremely rare vagrant in Nebraska, occurring primarily in fall. It has been seen in a few scattered locations throughout the state, and seemingly is the rarest of the scoters in Nebraska. It is rare or accidental in the Dakotas and Kansas, and has been reported from Oklahoma only as a few sight records. Migration: Two spring records are for March 25 and May 4. Seven fall records range from September 28 to December 10, with a mean of October 28. Habitats: Lakes, reservoirs and larger rivers are used by migrants. Most wintering is done coastally. Comments: This rare sea duck usually is seen in the female-like immature plumage while in Nebraska, when its two-tone brown head helps in identification. Surf Scoter -- Melanitta perspicillata An extremely rare migrant in Nebraska, occurring primarily in the fall. It has been seen at least twice in Lancaster, Keith and Douglas-Sarpy counties. Like the other scoters, most specimens are females or immature males that are easily overlooked or confused with other species. It has also been reported for the Dakotas, Kansas and Oklahoma. Migration: Two spring records are for April 21 and May 1. Eight fall records are from October 7 to December 16, with a mean of November 6. Habitats: Lakes, reservoirs and larger rivers are used by migrants. Most wintering is done coastally. Comments: About as rare as the preceding species, birds seen in Nebraska have a distinctive head pattern, with whitish spots in front of and behind the eye, and lack white wing markings. White-winged Scoter -- Melanitta fusca An occasional spring and fall migrant, more common in the fall than spring, and with most of the records from counties bordering the Platte or Missouri rivers. It has been recorded at least twice in Lincoln, Adams, Lancaster and Douglas counties. It is probably an annual visitor to the state, especially along the Missouri River and on the larger reservoirs. It has been reported for both Dakotas, Kansas and Oklahoma, and once bred in North Dakota. Migration: Five total spring records are from March 31 to April 29, with a mean of April 7. Twenty-one fall records are from October 7 to December 10, with a median of November 10. Half of the records fall within the period October 28 to November 22. Habitats: Lakes, reservoirs and larger rivers are used by some migrants. Most birds migrate and winter in coastal areas. Comments: This largest of the scoters is similar to the surf scoter in female or immature plumage, but has a large white patch on the inner wing feathers that allow for positive identification. It is the species most often seen in Nebraska, and once bred as close as northern North Dakota. Common Goldeneye -- Bucephala clangula A common to uncommon spring and fall migrant statewide, occasionally overwintering where open water is available. Breeding occurs in Minnesota and locally in North Dakota. Migrants are regular throughout the Plains States. Migration: Thirty-five initial spring sightings range from January 1 to April 12, with a median of March 5. Twenty-four final spring sightings are from March 9 to May 8, with a median of March 30. Thirty-four initial fall sightings are from October 10 to December 31, with a median of November 21. Thirty-one final fall sightings are from November 22 to December 31, with a median of December 14. Habitats: Deeper marshes, rivers, lakes and reservoirs are used during migration . Comments: This beautiful diving duck appears in spring at about the same time as do common mergansers, and both species can often be seen engaging in excited courtship displays, performing head-throws, backward kicks, vertical neck-stretching, and other remarkable male posturing, as the drab females either ignore the males or perhaps threaten them with bill-pointing gestures. The white plumages of male goldeneyes and common mergansers fairly glisten in the sun, and when in flight both species exhibit large while wing-patches. Barrow's Goldeneye -- Bucephala islandica An extremely rare winter and spring vagrant in Nebraska, probably mainly occurring westwardly, but with records extending to Douglas County. It has been observed two or more times in Garden, Lincoln, and Douglas counties. It is apparently rare to accidental throughout the Plains States from North Dakota to Oklahoma. Migration: Eight spring records range from February 15 to April 2, with a mean of March 19. Three fall records are from November 26 to December 21. Habitats: While on migration this species uses the same habitats as the common goldeneye, but is more prone to winter in coastal or brackish waters. Comments: There is little chance of seeing this species in Nebraska, although it breeds in Wyoming's Teton Range and elsewhere in that state. A few hybrids with common goldeneyes have been recorded. Bufflehead -- Bucephala albeola A common to uncommon migrant statewide. Occasionally stragglers remain in the state through the summer, with no evidence of nesting. Breeding occurs locally in North Dakota, and migrants are regular throughout the Plains States. Migration: Fifty-three initial spring sightings are from February 21 to May 1, with a median of March 18. Half of the records fall within the period March 6 through March 24. Thirty-eight final spring sightings are from March 15 to May 29, with a median of April 21. Thirty-four initial fall sightings are from August 14 to December 16, with a median of October 19. Thirty-one final fall sightings are from October 29 to December 31, with a median of November 24. Habitats: Lakes, reservoirs and deeper marshes are used by migrating birds. Comments: Easily one of the most beautiful of Nebraska's ducks, these birds tend to appear on the same kinds of wetlands as goldeneyes and mergansers, the males sparkling like gigantic snowflakes on the water, and the tiny, drab females almost invisible by contrast. Nesting occurs in the cavities made by flickers and other small woodpeckers. Hooded Merganser -- Lophodytes cucullatus An uncommon to occasional spring and fall migrant in eastern Nebraska, and an occasional to rare migrant in western parts of the state. Stragglers sometimes remain into summer, but there is no firm evidence of breeding in Nebraska at the present time. However, there are apparently valid early records of nesting from Lancaster, Gage, and Cuming counties (Bruner, Wolcott and Swenk, 1904), and the author observed a female and five newly fledged young at Twin Lakes, Seward County, in July, 1995. It is a regular breeder in North Dakota and Minnesota, and migrates throughout the Plains States. Migration: Seventy-four initial spring sightings range from January 16 to May 30, with a median of March 26. Half of the records fall within the period March 13 to March 28. Fourteen final spring records are from March 19 to May 30, with a median of April 25. Sixteen initial fall sightings are from September 14 to November 27, with a median of November 5. Nineteen final fall sightings are from November 6 to December 17, with a median of November 22. Habitats: Migrants are found on clear-water rivers, lakes, reservoirs and deeper marshes. Breeding is usually on rivers, creeks and oxbows bordered by woods and supporting good populations of fish. Comments: This species seems to be increasing in Nebraska, as it was rarely observed by the author in the 60s and 70s, but now it is a regular spring migrant in eastern Nebraska. Perhaps is has benefited from nest-box erection programs for wood ducks, as it often will choose such places for laying its eggs. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period. Common Merganser -- Mergus merganser A regular spring and fall migrant statewide, varying in abundance from very common to occasional. Overwinters commonly where open water persists; stragglers sometimes remain through the summer. Summering birds are regular in the Lake Alice area of Scotts Bluff County, and nesting has been suspected. However, the only actual evidence of breeding in the state is a brood sighted in Custer County in 1968 (Nebraska Bird Review 37:45) and one reported from the North Platte Valley west of Lake McConaughy (Nebraska Bird Review 62:105). It regularly breeds in Minnesota, and migrates throughout the Plains States. Migration: Fifty initial spring sightings are from January 14 to April 25, with a median of March 9. Half of the records fall within the period March 3 through March 27. Thirty-nine final spring sightings are from March 4 to May 30, with a median of April 6. Thirty-eight initial fall sightings are from September 18 to December 31, with a median of November 13. Thirty-six final fall sightings are from November 20 to December 31, with a median of December 17. Habitats: Migrants and wintering birds are found on rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and any other large water areas supporting fish populations. Most nesting occurs on forest-lined lakes and ponds near rivers, but rarely nesting occurs in treeless areas in rock crevices or other natural cavities. Comments: It is likely that more nesting records of this splendid species will accrue as time passes, since summering birds are increasingly common in Nebraska. The birds need clear waters with a good fish population; hunters and fishermen tend to hate this and other "sawbill" species because of their fishy taste and appetites. However, the birds generally eat slow-swimming prey rather than trout and other gamefish. Breeding Bird surveys between 1966 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population increase during that period. Red-breasted Merganser -- Mergus serrator An occasional to rare spring and fall migrant statewide, more common westwardly than in eastern Nebraska. Perhaps overwinters rarely. It is a regular migrant throughout the Plains States. Migration: Sixty-one initial spring sightings are from January 15 to May 12, with a median of March 29. Half of the records fall within the period March 19 to April 7. Twenty-four final spring sightings are from February 14 to May 18, with a median of April 20. Sixteen total fall sightings are from September 21 to December 31, with a median of November 18. Half of the records fall within the period November 4 through November 27. Habitats: Lakes, reservoirs and large rivers are used by migrants; wintering more often occurs coastally. Comments: The red-breasted merganser is less common in eastern Nebraska than the two other mergansers, which is too bad because it is a most attractive species. Like the common merganser it is dependent upon fish in clear-water habitats. Ruddy Duck -- Oxyura jamaicensis A common spring and fall migrant statewide and an uncommon and very local summer resident in some of the deeper and more permanent marshes of the Sandhills and Rainwater Basin. It is considered a common breeder at both Valentine and Crescent Lake refuges. It is a regular breeding species in the Dakotas and Minnesota, and migrates throughout the Plains States. Migration: Sixty-seven initial spring sightings are from February 12 to June 9, with a median of April 3. Half of the records fall within the period March 14 to April 19. Fifty-nine final fall records are from August 30 to December 31, with a median of November 27. Half of the records fall within the period October 10 to November 27. Habitats: Migrants may be found on lakes, reservoirs, larger marshes and similar habitats offering considerable open water and mud-bottom feeding areas. Breeding is on prairie marshes having stable water levels and an abundance of emergent vegetation, along with some areas of open water. Comments: This wonderful little duck is nearly everybody's favorite; from its sky-blue bill to its long, spiky tail it advertises its uniqueness,. From the time it finally arrives in spring and begins its bizarre displays through the summer brooding period it is hard to imagine a more interesting bird to watch. Like other stiff-tailed ducks it feeds almost entirely on small fly larvae that live in the muddy bottoms of ponds, using its sensitive bill to locate its prey. The inked area on the range map represents a mean density of 5-20 individuals per Breeding Bird survey route annually. Breeding Bird surveys between 1984 and 1993 indicate that the species has undergone a significant population decline during that period.

Return To Top Of This Page

GoTo Page Four Return to Table of Contents
GoTo definitions of terms used in text.

This web site courtesy of the Department
of Physics and Physical Science
In cooperation with the

University of Nebraska at Kearney

THE BIRDS OF NEBRASKAAND ADJACENT PLAINS STATESPaul A. Johnsgard

THE BIRDS OF NEBRASKA
AND ADJACENT PLAINS STATES
Paul A. Johnsgard