The researchers studied breeding probability and female survival of lesser scaup ducks in Alaska. They found that only 12% of female ducks successfully bred in 2005 and 2006. By using different methods, they estimated that the actual breeding probability was higher at 68% in 2006. Female body mass was linked to breeding success. Female survival during nesting and brood-rearing was high, at 92% in 2005 and 86% in 2006. The study suggests that current methods may overestimate the number of breeding pairs of lesser scaup ducks in the boreal forest.