This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not
approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size
criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a
declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or
population size and a small number of locations or severe
fragmentation). There is uncertainty over the population trend,
but any decline is unlikely to be sufficiently rapid to approach
the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend
criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations).
The population size is extremely large, and hence does not
approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size
criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline
estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with
a specified population structure). For these reasons the species
is evaluated as Least Concern. Livezey, B. C. 1995. Phylogeny
and evolutionary ecology of modern seaducks (Anatidae: Mergini).
Condor 97(1): 233-255. Melan