There is no special hierarchy that determines who gets to mate. Habitat Aechmophorus occidentalis is a migratory bird. It lives on freshwater lakes that have rushes and tules during the breeding season. It usualy stays on prairie lakes in British Columbia and California, and sometimes as far down as Mexico. In the winter A. occidentalis lives on the Pacific coast.
Tourists regularly go to wildlife refuges and preserves to go birdwatching.
This brings entrance fees to the wildlife parks and refuges. No special status Aechemophorus occidentalis is not endangered or threatened. They are however are affected by oilspills and insecticides found in their food. The insecticides affect their breeding. Another danger to this bird is the reduction in habitat.