ABSTRACT
Abstract. Migration exerts strong effects on population dynamics, so consideration of migration as a driver of population change is an important area of inquiry. Sea ducks (Mergini) exemplify the wide range in types of migration strategies, which become more variable with the addition of a third migration to distinct molting areas. We discuss the three migrations, summer, fall, and molt, and emphasize similarities and differences within and among species. For each migration, we focus on timing, routes and stopover sites, nutrient reserve acquisition, stopover behavior, ight behavior,
interannual constancy at stopover sites, and variation among sexes and ages. Last, we describe individual variation of annual ight paths, discuss inter-and intra-annual delity at stopover sites, examine the role of the environment on migration paths, and evaluate variability and limitations of speed and duration of migration.
