Breadcrumb

1. Home

2. Print 

3. Pdf 

4. Node 

5. Entity Print 

Operational Activities: Waterfowl

Last Modified: 

Print

Waterfowl are federally-protected migratory birds that are valuable natural

resources enjoyed by birdwatcher's and the general public. Integrated solutions to

address problems may include habitat manipulation, dispersal techniques, and

population management.

Biology and Ecology

Canada Geese 

Two behaviorally distinct types of goose populations exist in most parts of the

country: resident and migratory. Resident geese nest within the lower 48 states and

the District of Columbia from March to June or reside there from April to August.

Migratory Canada geese move between breeding grounds in Canada and

overwintering areas in the United States but do not nest in the lower 48 states.
Mute Swan 

The mute swan is an exotic species that was introduced to the United States

beginning in the mid-1800s. The largest concentration of mute swans now occurs

along the Atlantic Coast from Maine to South Carolina, and it has increased steadily

since the 1970's. Smaller flocks occur in the Great Lakes region and the Pacific

Northwest.

Mallard 

The mallard is the most abundant duck species in North America and has adapted to

varied habitats. The mallard survives in cold climates and is tolerant of human

activities. Although the mallard is the most heavily hunted duck species in North

America, its populations remain steady.
Understanding Wildlife, Damage, and

Management

Conflicts with People

Although most people find a few birds acceptable, problems quickly develop as bird

numbers increase. These problems include overgrazing of grass and ornamental

plants; accumulation of droppings and feathers; attacks on humans by aggressive

birds; and the fouling of reservoirs, swimming areas, beaches, docks, lawns, and golf

courses. Flocks of geese and other waterfowl also feed on a variety of crops,

including corn, soybeans, rice, lettuce, winter wheat, barley, and rye.

Damage to Property

Canada goose nests occur near sidewalks and entryways of homes and other

buildings, adjacent to paths and roadways, and on rooftops and porches. They are

also found in more traditional areas, including parks and other open space. Flocks

can leave behind a large amount of fecal material, especially if they routinely use

the same sites. The feces can reduce the water quality of ponds and spoil the lawns

of parks, golf courses, apartment complexes, and business parks. Mallards, wigeons,

and coots also flock in parks and residential developments and cause similar

problems.
Damage to Agriculture

Migratory waterfowl cause damage to agricultural crops in many parts of the United

States. Crops are vulnerable to damage by ducks, coots, and geese through direct

consumption of crops as well as trampling and fouling. Some waterfowl also cause

problems at aquaculture facilities by feeding on fish fry and fingerlings.

Health and Safety Concerns

Defense of nests and young by geese and swans can result in injuries to people who

approach too closely. Populations of waterfowl may contaminate recreational areas

with pathogenic bacteria that may pose human-health risks. Waterfowl on or near

airports affect public safety due to the possibility of bird-aircraft collisions.

Damage to Natural Resources

Canada goose and mute swans may impact native wild rice, restored wetlands, and

tidal marshes when large flocks graze on vegetation and trample plantings. Resident

Canada goose and non-native Mute Swans may out-compete native waterbirds and

waterfowl for habitat and food. Resident Canada goose and non-native Mute Swans

may out-compete native waterbirds and waterfowl for habitat and food. Additionally,

overabundance of ducks, geese and swans in natural areas may cause erosion and

reduce water quality due to feces and runoff.

Regulations Pertaining to Damage Management

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has adopted new rules for managing resident

Canada geese including a nest and egg depredation order for resident Canada geese

that authorizes private landowners, public land managers, homeowners'

associations, and local governments to destroy resident Canada goose nest and

eggs on property under their jurisdiction when necessary to resolve or prevent injury

to people, property, agricultural crops, or other interests.

A Migratory Bird Depredation permit or other authorization must be obtained from

the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and State laws must be consulted and

adhered to, prior to initiating actions to remove waterfowl or handle their nests and

eggs. 
Migratory Bird Depredation Permit Application

FWS permits and the Federal laws and Treaties that relate to migratory birds.

Resident Canada Goose Regulations

The Canada Goose Nest and Egg Depredation Order (50 CFR 21.162) authorizes

landowners and local governments who register with the FWS to destroy resident

Canada goose nests and eggs on their property from March 1-June 30, when

necessary, to resolve or prevent injury to people, property, agricultural crops, or

other interests. In order to conduct these activities, landowners must register online

anytime between January 1 and June 30 of the year in which the activity will take

place.

Canada Goose Nest and Egg Depredation Order

Registration information.

Oiling Goose Eggs (video)

Egg and Nest Treatment

50 CFR 21.159 - Control Order for Resident Canada Geese at Airports and

Military Airbases

Managers of commercial, public, and private airports and military air operation

facilities acting under authority of 50 CFR § 21.159 may take Canada geese

(including nests and eggs) from on or within 3 miles of the airport or airfield

boundaries, without a Federal permit. 

Control Order for Resident Canada Geese at Airports and Military Airfields (50

CFR § 21.159)

50 CFR 21.165 - Depredation Order for Resident Canada Geese at

Agricultural Facilities

Agricultural producers acting under authority of 50 CFR § 21.165 may take Canada

geese from lands that they personally control and where geese are committing

damage to agricultural crops, without a Federal permit.

Depredation Order for Resident Canada Geese at Agricultural Facilities (50 CFR

§ 21.165)
50 CFR 21.168 - Public Health Control Order for Resident Canada Geese

States, Tribes, and the District of Columbia, via the State or Tribal wildlife agency,

are authorized to take Canada geese without a Federal permit, wherever a Federal,

State or local public health agency has determined that Canada geese pose a

specific, immediate human health threat by creating conditions conducive to the

transmission of human or zoonotic pathogens.

Public Health Control Order for Resident Canada Geese (50 CFR § 21.168)

Assistance from Wildlife Services State Offices

Wildlife Services provides technical assistance and direct management for waterfowl

conflicts and facilitates the depredation permit process through WS State Offices.

Learn more about Canada goose nest management methods.

To contact your WS State Office, call 1-866-4USDAWS (1-866-487-3297).

Developing Science-based Solutions to Waterfowl Conflicts

Wildlife Services' National Wildlife Research Center conducts research and

investigation activities on a wide variety of wildlife damage issues including the

effectiveness of management tools for geese.   

Effectiveness of a Motion-activated Laser Hazing System for Repelling Captive

Canada Geese

Lasers as Nonlethal Avian Repellents

Publications from other agencies, groups, and individuals

Attitudes of Central Missouri Residents Toward Local Giant Canada Geese and

Management Alternatives

Evaluation of Canada Goose Sterilization for Population Control

An Evaluation of Two Hazing Methods for Urban Canada Geese

Evaluation of Three Damage Abatement Techniques for Canada Geese

Nuisance Canada Goose Problems in the Eastern United States

Information concerning bird strikes and aviation
Bird Strike Committee USA

Ranking the Hazard Level of Species to Aviation

Websites of interest

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Migratory Bird Program

Related Links

Foraging Preferences of Canada Geese Among Turfgrasses: Implications for

Reducing Human–Goose Conflicts

Waterfowl Surveys

Waterfowl Population Status Reports (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)