WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) this week announced that data is now available from the annual spring survey of breeding waterfowl.
In a release, the DNR said the survey indicated stable population numbers and habitat conditions for migratory birds.
The data from this survey is used as part of the overall survey of breeding waterfowl in North America, and the information helps the DNR make management decisions about waterfowl in Wisconsin. The survey has been conducted annually since 1973, except for 2020.
“Survey results are best interpreted as trends over several years rather than year-to-year comparisons,” the DNR stated.
Surveyors estimated the state’s 2026 breeding duck population at 571,460 birds, a one-percent increase from 2025 and 28 percent above the long-term average, according to the DNR.
The 2026 mallard breeding population estimate is 162,894 birds, five percent higher than 2025 but still eight percent lower than the long-term average.
Wood duck populations are up six percent from 2025 and remain 12 percent above the long-term average.
The 2026 blue-winged teal estimate is 111,917, which is up 19 percent compared to 2025 and seven percent above the long-term average.
The Canada goose population estimate is two percent lower than 2025, yet still remains 13 percent higher than the long-term average.
Find additional data from this and other wildlife survey reports on the DNR’s Wisconsin Wildlife Reports webpage.
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