Remigial molt of sea ducks

Molt is a dynamic process occurring throughout much of the year in waterfowl. The molt of flight feathers by waterfowl, especially sea ducks, however, occurs over a compressed period of time and in spcific areas used each year. We provide an overview of the flight feather molt of sea ducks. We focus on the need to molt and why, the timing and duration of flight feather mot, and the duration birds remain at molting areas; energetics of molt and strategies for managing energetic needs; molt migration' food resources and foraging behavior; predation risks; temporal constraints and competition; response to disturbance; and molt habitats and seasonal differences in habitat used by sea ducks. We conclude by presenting and discussing data gaps and emphasize the continuing need for a holistic approach to sea duck management and international cooperation among countries.