2025 Waterfowl report highlights stability and the solutions conservation provides

Stonewall, Man. — September 19, 2025 — The 2025 Waterfowl Population Status Report shows that North America’s duck populations remain steady compared to last year, even as drought continues to limit breeding habitat across the Prairies. Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) says the results underline a simple truth: when wetlands remain on the landscape, waterfowl endure.

The report estimates ~34 million breeding ducks in the traditional survey area, essentially unchanged from 2024. While still slightly below the long-term average, this stability demonstrates the resilience of waterfowl populations when diverse wetland and grassland habitats are available.

“Drought cycles are part of Prairie ecology, but today’s ducks face added pressure from wetland and grassland loss,” says Matt Dyson, Research Scientist, DUC. “The 2025 report is clear: where habitat remains, ducks respond. Conservation is the difference-maker. By working with partners, farmers and communities to conserve and restore wetlands, our habitat work gives waterfowl the refuge they need in dry years and the springboard they need when water returns.”

Interpreting the 2025 Report: Conservation in context

Stable populations show resilience but challenges remain.
The 2025 report shows total duck numbers holding steady compared to last year, though still slightly below long-term averages. This stability is encouraging in the face of drought and variable conditions. It shows that where wetlands remain, they are doing their job.
DUC’s solution/insight: By conserving wetlands now, we create the conditions for rapid rebounds when moisture returns.

Prairie drought is a stress test for waterfowl.
May pond counts are at their lowest since 2004. Drought cycles are natural, but habitat loss makes the impact more severe. Beyond seasonal drought the question is whether wetlands and grasslands are still there when birds need them.
DUC’s solution/insight: Through prairie programs such as restoration, easements, grazing systems and water management, DUC ensures wetlands remain on the land, buffering populations in dry years and springboarding recovery in wet years.

The Boreal buffer
Dry conditions on the Prairies drew above-average numbers into the Boreal region in recent years; in 2025, conditions remained variable, with pervasive dry conditions leading to wildfire in places.
DUC’s solution/insight: DUC’s Boreal partnerships help keep important breeding landscapes intact, sustaining breeding opportunities when prairie conditions lag.

From coast to coast
Eastern Canada and the Great Lakes region had good to excellent habitat conditions, which should bode well for production from these areas. This region is critical for waterfowl production for the Atlantic Flyway. Waterfowl populations were stable in BC this year. Mallards showed signs of decline year over year, likely a result of persistent dry conditions, but are still holding at the LTA.
DUC’s solution: We’re taking a continental approach to conservation

Some species are struggling, others are thriving.
Mallards declined, while redheads and canvasbacks showed significant gains. These differences demonstrate that ducks respond to specific habitat conditions. The loss of shallow wetlands affects species like pintails, mallards and blue-winged teal while deeper permanent wetlands support divers, like canvasbacks and redheads.
DUC’s solution/insight: Our science pinpoints what each species needs. That’s why DUC invests in diverse wetland types and supports research to guide targeted conservation.

Canada’s role is continental.
Canadian landscapes drive waterfowl abundance across all four flyways. What happens in Canada, on the breeding grounds, influences what hunters and birders see across North America.
DUC’s solution: By conserving wetlands and associated upland habitat in Canada, we are sustaining the migration spectacle that defines North America.

When wetlands remain, waterfowl endure
The 2025 Waterfowl Population Status Report is a reminder that Canada’s wetlands are central to the health of North America’s ducks and to the resilience of our landscapes. While conditions change year to year, the evidence is clear: where wetlands remain, waterfowl endure. DUC is committed to conserving, restoring, and managing these vital habitats so that future generations of wildlife and people continue to thrive.

Read the full report: 2025 Waterfowl Population Status Report.
Watch now: Waterfowl Season Outlook