Ducks are aquatic birds found in diverse habitats worldwide, from freshwater ponds to coastal seas. Known for their adaptability, they thrive in wetlands, rivers, and urban parks, often forming flocks. Their waterproof feathers and webbed feet make them excellent swimmers, suited for life on water.
These birds exhibit varied feeding behaviors, with some tipping up in shallow water to graze on plants and others diving for fish or invertebrates. Their diets include seeds, grasses, insects, and small aquatic animals, reflecting their opportunistic nature. This flexibility supports their survival across different ecosystems.
Many ducks are migratory, traveling thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds. They navigate using environmental cues like stars and magnetic fields. Migration patterns vary, with some staying in milder climates year-round, showcasing their resilience to changing conditions.
Breeding habits include nesting in vegetation, tree cavities, or on the ground, often near water. Some lay eggs in other birds’ nests, a strategy called brood parasitism, while others are attentive parents. Their colorful plumage, especially in males, plays a role in attracting mates.
Conservation challenges affect certain duck populations, particularly those in threatened habitats like tropical islands or Arctic regions. Wetland loss, pollution, and hybridization pose risks, though many species remain abundant. Protecting wetlands is key to their continued survival.
Culturally, ducks are beloved, appearing in folklore, art, and as farm animals for eggs and meat. Their distinctive quacks and graceful movements captivate people, making them a symbol of adaptability. From wild flocks to domestic breeds, ducks enrich ecosystems and human lives.
Species of Ducks
Mallard
The Mallard is the most common duck worldwide, found across North America, Europe, and Asia in wetlands, ponds, and urban parks. Males have a glossy green head, brown chest, and gray body, while females are mottled brown for camouflage. A dabbling duck, it feeds on aquatic plants and invertebrates by tipping up in shallow water. Its adaptability and interbreeding with domestic ducks make it a key ancestor of many breeds.
Wood Duck
Known for vibrant colors, the Wood Duck is a perching duck native to North America’s wooded swamps and streams. Males boast iridescent green and blue plumage with a chestnut chest, while females are grayish-brown with a white eye-ring. They nest in tree cavities, often high above ground, and feed on seeds, berries, and insects. Conservation efforts have expanded their range from eastern North America to the Pacific Coast.
Northern Pintail
The Northern Pintail, a slender dabbling duck, breeds in Alaska and winters in southern North America’s marshes and grain fields. Males have a chocolate-brown head, white neck stripe, and long, pointed tail, while females are mottled brown. They feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and grains like rice. Their elegant flight and widespread distribution make them a common sight in wetlands.
American Wigeon
The American Wigeon, a dabbling duck, is found across North America in marshes, lakes, and coastal flats. Males feature a white crown patch and green eye stripe, while females are brownish with a grayish head. They graze on vegetation and invertebrates, often in mixed flocks. Their short, powerful bill aids in pulling plants, and they are common in the Central Flyway.
Blue-Winged Teal
The Blue-Winged Teal, a small dabbling duck, breeds in North America’s prairies and winters in Central and South America. Males have a white facial crescent and blue wing patches, visible in flight, while females are mottled brown. They feed on seeds and invertebrates in shallow marshes. Their erratic, corkscrew flight makes them distinctive in flocks.
Green-Winged Teal
North America’s smallest duck, the Green-Winged Teal is a dabbling species found in marshes and ponds. Males sport a chestnut head with a green eye patch, while females are mottled brown. They feed on seeds, aquatic insects, and worms, often in tight, twisting flocks. Their rapid flight and iridescent green wing patches are key identifiers.
Northern Shoveler
The Northern Shoveler, a dabbling duck, is recognized by its large, spoon-shaped bill. Found in North America’s marshes and wetlands, males have a green head, white chest, and chestnut sides, while females are mottled brown. They filter-feed on plankton and plants in shallow water. Their distinctive bill and early migration make them stand out.
Gadwall
The Gadwall, a dabbling duck, is widespread in North America’s wetlands and prairies. Males are subtly patterned with grayish-brown feathers and a black rear, while females are mottled brown. They feed on aquatic vegetation and invertebrates, often tipping up in shallow water. Known as “gray ducks,” they are early migrants and common in the Central Flyway.
Canvasback
The Canvasback, a diving duck, is found in North America’s lakes and rivers. Males have a chestnut head, black chest, and white body, while females are brownish. They dive for aquatic plants and invertebrates in deeper waters. Their rapid wingbeat and sloping forehead distinguish them from similar species like the redhead.
Redhead
The Redhead, a diving duck, inhabits North America’s lakes and coastal bays. Males feature a bright reddish head and gray body, while females are brown with a darker cap. They dive for aquatic plants and mollusks, often in large flocks. Common in the Gulf Coast, their rounder head shape sets them apart from canvasbacks.
Greater Scaup
The Greater Scaup, a diving duck, is a winter visitor to North America’s coasts and inland lakes. Males have a glossy green-black head, white sides, and black rear, while females are brown with a white facial patch. They dive for mollusks and plants, forming large coastal flocks. Their white wing band extends nearly to the wing tip.
Lesser Scaup
The Lesser Scaup, similar to the Greater Scaup, is a diving duck found in North America’s lakes and estuaries. Males have a purplish-black head and white sides, while females resemble their greater counterparts. They dive for invertebrates and plants, with a shorter white wing band. Their peaked head shape aids identification.
Common Merganser
The Common Merganser, a diving duck, inhabits North America’s freshwater lakes and rivers. Males have a dark green head and white body, while females have a rusty head and gray body. Known as “sawbills,” they use serrated bills to catch fish. They nest in tree cavities or ground burrows, preferring northern habitats.
Red-Breasted Merganser
The Red-Breasted Merganser, a sea duck, is common in North America’s coastal waters and northern rivers. Males have a spiky green head, red breast, and gray body, while females have a reddish head. They dive for fish, using serrated bills, and nest on the ground. Their preference for saltwater sets them apart from other mergansers.
Ruddy Duck
The Ruddy Duck, a stiff-tailed diving duck, is found in North America’s marshes and lakes. Males have a bright blue bill in breeding season, chestnut body, and stiff, upright tail, while females are brownish. They dive for aquatic plants and invertebrates, often sinking low in water. Their small size and quirky tail make them distinctive.
Pekin Duck
The Pekin Duck, a domestic breed descended from the Mallard, is a white, heavy-bodied duck bred for meat and eggs. Found on farms worldwide, it has a creamy white plumage and orange bill. Non-migratory, it thrives in controlled environments, feeding on grains and insects. Its calm demeanor and productivity make it a popular domestic choice.
Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata)
The Muscovy Duck, native to Central and South America, is a unique perching duck with a distinctive appearance. Males have red facial caruncles and a knobby bill, while females are smaller and less adorned. Unlike Mallard-derived breeds, it’s a separate species, often domesticated for meat. Wild Muscovies inhabit forested wetlands, feeding on plants, insects, and small fish, and nest in tree cavities.
Indian Runner Duck
The Indian Runner Duck, a domestic breed from the Mallard, is known for its upright, penguin-like posture. Originating in Southeast Asia, it comes in colors like white, black, and fawn. Prized for egg production, it’s non-migratory and thrives in farm settings, feeding on grains and insects. Its quirky stance and prolific laying make it a favorite among poultry keepers.
Khaki Campbell
The Khaki Campbell, another Mallard-derived domestic breed, is renowned for laying up to 300 eggs annually. Developed in England, it has khaki-brown plumage and a sleek body. Kept in backyards and farms, it feeds on grains, greens, and insects. Its calm temperament and egg-laying efficiency make it a top choice for small-scale farmers.
Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata)
The Mandarin Duck, native to East Asia, is a perching duck famed for its stunning plumage. Males display vibrant orange, green, and purple feathers, while females are mottled gray-brown. They inhabit wooded rivers and lakes, nesting in tree cavities and feeding on seeds, insects, and small fish. Introduced populations exist in Europe, but habitat loss in Asia threatens wild numbers.
Black Duck (Anas rubripes)
The American Black Duck, a dabbling duck, is found in eastern North America’s marshes and estuaries. Dark brown with a glossy sheen, it resembles a female Mallard but has a darker body and yellow bill. It feeds on aquatic plants and invertebrates, often hybridizing with Mallards. Habitat loss and hybridization threaten its population, making conservation a priority.
Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula)
The Mottled Duck, a dabbling duck, is native to the Gulf Coast of the U.S. and Mexico, favoring coastal marshes and inland wetlands. Its mottled brown plumage provides camouflage, with males slightly darker than females. It feeds on seeds, insects, and crustaceans, rarely migrating. Habitat degradation and hybridization with Mallards pose conservation challenges.
Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope)
The Eurasian Wigeon, a dabbling duck, breeds in northern Europe and Asia, wintering in Africa and southern Asia. Males have a reddish-brown head with a cream forehead, while females are mottled brown. They graze on grasses and aquatic plants in marshes and estuaries, often in mixed flocks. Their whistling call and stable populations make them a familiar sight.
Common Teal (Anas crecca)
The Common Teal, a small dabbling duck, is widespread in Europe and Asia, wintering in Africa and southern Asia. Males have a chestnut head with a green eye patch, while females are mottled brown. They feed on seeds and invertebrates in shallow wetlands, with agile flight. Their small size and vibrant colors attract birdwatchers, and populations remain stable.
Ring-Necked Duck (Aythya collaris)
The Ring-Necked Duck, a diving duck, is found in North America’s forested lakes and ponds. Males have a glossy black head, chest, and back with a faint neck ring, while females are brown with a white eye-ring. They dive for aquatic plants and invertebrates. Common in winter flocks, their populations are stable despite wetland loss.
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
The Tufted Duck, a diving duck, is widespread in Europe and Asia, often wintering in coastal waters. Males have a black body, white sides, and a distinctive head tuft, while females are brown. They dive for mollusks and plants, forming large flocks. Their adaptability to urban lakes ensures stable populations, though pollution poses risks.
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
The Common Goldeneye, a diving duck, breeds in northern North America and Eurasia, wintering in coastal bays. Males have a dark green head with a white cheek patch, while females are grayish-brown. They dive for crustaceans and fish, nesting in tree cavities. Their whistling wing sound and stable populations make them notable.
Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica)
Barrow’s Goldeneye, a diving duck, is found in western North America and Iceland, preferring mountain lakes and coasts. Males have a purplish-black head with a crescent-shaped white patch, while females are brownish. They dive for invertebrates and fish, nesting in cavities. Limited range makes them vulnerable to habitat changes.
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
The Hooded Merganser, a small diving duck, inhabits North America’s wooded ponds and rivers. Males have a black-and-white crest that expands dramatically, while females have a rusty crest. They dive for fish and crustaceans, nesting in tree cavities. Their striking appearance and stable populations make them a favorite among birders.
Long-Tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
The Long-Tailed Duck, a sea duck, breeds in Arctic regions and winters in North America’s coastal waters. Males have long tail feathers and white winter plumage, while females are brownish. They dive deeply for mollusks and crustaceans, with a yodeling call. Climate change threatens their Arctic breeding grounds.
Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
The Harlequin Duck, a sea duck, inhabits fast-flowing rivers and rocky coasts in North America and Asia. Males have slate-blue plumage with white and chestnut markings, while females are brownish. They dive for insects and crustaceans, nesting near streams. Small populations and habitat disturbance raise conservation concerns.
Cayuga Duck
The Cayuga Duck, a domestic Mallard-derived breed, is known for its iridescent black-green plumage. Originating in the U.S., it’s raised for eggs and ornamental purposes, thriving in farm settings. Feeding on grains and insects, it’s non-migratory with a calm demeanor. Its unique coloration makes it a standout in domestic flocks.
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
The Bufflehead, a small diving duck, is found in North America’s boreal forests and coastal waters. Males have a striking white head patch on a glossy black head, while females are grayish-brown. They dive for invertebrates and small fish, nesting in tree cavities often excavated by woodpeckers. Their compact size and rapid flight make them a delight in winter flocks, with stable populations despite habitat pressures.
Smew (Mergellus albellus)
The Smew, a petite sea duck, breeds in northern Europe and Asia, wintering in coastal bays and lakes. Males are white with black markings, resembling cracked ice, while females have a reddish-brown head. They dive for fish and crustaceans, using serrated bills, and nest in tree hollows. Their small global population and reliance on old-growth forests raise conservation concerns.
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis)
The King Eider, a robust sea duck, breeds in Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia, wintering in icy coastal waters. Males boast a colorful head with orange, green, and blue hues, while females are mottled brown. They dive deeply for mollusks and crustaceans. Climate change threatens their Arctic breeding grounds, impacting this hardy species.
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
The Common Eider, a large sea duck, is found in northern coasts of North America and Europe. Males have a black-and-white body with a pale green nape, while females are brown. They dive for mussels and form dense colonies, lining nests with down feathers. Overharvesting of down and oil spills pose threats, though populations remain widespread.
Spectacled Eider (Somateria fischeri)
The Spectacled Eider, a sea duck, breeds in Arctic Alaska and Siberia, wintering in Bering Sea ice packs. Males have a green head with white “spectacle” patches, while females are mottled brown. They dive for clams and crustaceans. Small populations and remote habitats make them vulnerable to climate change and oil exploration.
Steller’s Eider (Polysticta stelleri)
Steller’s Eider, the smallest eider, breeds in Arctic Siberia and Alaska, wintering in coastal waters. Males feature a white head with black spots and chestnut underparts, while females are dark brown. They dive for invertebrates in shallow seas. Critically endangered due to habitat loss and lead poisoning, conservation efforts are crucial.
Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)
The Surf Scoter, a sea duck, breeds in northern Canada and Alaska, wintering along North American coasts. Males are black with white head patches and an orange bill, while females are brownish. They dive for mollusks and crustaceans in turbulent surf zones. Stable populations face risks from coastal pollution and oil spills.
White-Winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca)
The White-Winged Scoter, a sea duck, breeds in boreal North America and Eurasia, wintering in coastal waters. Males are black with a white eye patch and wing patch, while females are brown. They dive for shellfish, often in large flocks. Their numbers are stable, but coastal development threatens wintering habitats.
Black Scoter (Melanitta americana)
The Black Scoter, a sea duck, breeds in Alaska and eastern Siberia, wintering along North American coasts. Males are entirely black with a yellow bill knob, while females are brown with a pale face. They dive for mollusks, with a whistling call. Declining populations due to habitat disturbance require monitoring.
Falcated Duck (Mareca falcata)
The Falcated Duck, a dabbling duck, breeds in eastern Asia, wintering in southern wetlands. Males have a glossy green head, curved tertial feathers, and bronze chest, while females are mottled brown. They feed on seeds and aquatic plants in marshes. Habitat loss in breeding grounds threatens their stable but localized populations.
Baikal Teal (Sibirionetta formosa)
The Baikal Teal, a small dabbling duck, breeds in Siberia, wintering in East Asia’s wetlands. Males have a striking green face with yellow and black patterns, while females are mottled brown. They feed on seeds and invertebrates in rice fields and marshes. Vulnerable to habitat loss, their populations have rebounded with wetland protection.
Garganey (Spatula querquedula)
The Garganey, a small dabbling duck, breeds in Europe and Asia, wintering in Africa and southern Asia. Males have a brown head with a white eyebrow stripe, while females are mottled brown. They feed on aquatic plants and insects in shallow wetlands. Stable populations face threats from wetland drainage.
Cinnamon Teal (Spatula cyanoptera)
The Cinnamon Teal, a dabbling duck, breeds in western North America and South America’s wetlands. Males have a rich cinnamon-red body, while females are mottled brown. They feed on seeds and invertebrates in marshes. Their vibrant color and stable populations make them a highlight in prairie wetlands.
Rouen Duck
The Rouen Duck, a domestic Mallard-derived breed, is raised for meat and exhibition. Originating in France, it resembles a large Mallard with darker, glossy green heads in males and mottled brown females. Non-migratory, it thrives on farms, feeding on grains and greens. Its heavy build and calm nature make it popular among breeders.
Swedish Blue Duck
The Swedish Blue Duck, a domestic breed from the Mallard, is valued for eggs and meat in Scandinavia. Its slate-blue plumage and sturdy frame distinguish it. Kept in farm settings, it feeds on grains and insects, with a hardy, non-migratory nature. Its attractive color and productivity suit small-scale farming.
Call Duck
The Call Duck, a tiny domestic breed from the Mallard, was bred for its loud quack to lure wild ducks. Available in colors like white and gray, it’s now an ornamental pet. Non-migratory, it thrives in backyards, feeding on grains and insects. Its small size and vocal personality make it a favorite.
Aylesbury Duck
The Aylesbury Duck, a domestic Mallard-derived breed, is a large, white duck from England, bred for meat. Its pinkish bill and robust body are distinctive. Kept on farms, it feeds on grains and greens, with a calm demeanor. Declining in commercial use, it remains a heritage breed for enthusiasts.
Crested Duck
The Crested Duck, a domestic breed from the Mallard, is known for a fluffy crest on its head due to a genetic mutation. Found in various colors, it’s raised for exhibition and eggs. Non-migratory, it thrives in farm settings, feeding on grains and insects. Its unique crest adds ornamental appeal.
Silver Teal (Spatula versicolor)
The Silver Teal, a small dabbling duck, is native to South America’s wetlands, from Brazil to Chile. Males have a speckled grayish-brown body with a creamy face, while females are mottled brown. They feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates in shallow marshes and lakes. Their compact size and subtle plumage make them less conspicuous, with stable populations despite localized wetland loss.
Cape Shoveler (Spatula smithii)
The Cape Shoveler, a dabbling duck, is found in southern Africa’s wetlands, including marshes and estuaries. Males and females have mottled brown plumage, but males show brighter yellow eyes and a large, spoon-shaped bill. They filter-feed on plankton and small invertebrates in shallow waters. Stable populations benefit from protected wetlands, though agricultural runoff poses threats.
Australasian Shoveler (Spatula rhynchotis)
The Australasian Shoveler, a dabbling duck, inhabits wetlands in Australia and New Zealand. Males have a blue-gray head, chestnut sides, and a prominent spoonbill, while females are mottled brown. They feed on aquatic plants and invertebrates by sifting water. Their populations are stable, but habitat degradation in urbanizing areas requires ongoing conservation.
Laysan Duck (Anas laysanensis)
The Laysan Duck, a critically endangered dabbling duck, is endemic to Hawaii’s Laysan Island. Small and mottled brown with a faint green sheen, it feeds on brine flies, algae, and seeds in saline lagoons. Non-migratory, it nests in vegetation. With fewer than 700 individuals, conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration and predator control to prevent extinction.
Hawaiian Duck (Anas wyvilliana)
The Hawaiian Duck, or Koloa, is a dabbling duck native to Hawaii’s wetlands. Resembling a small, dark Mallard, it has mottled brown plumage with a faint green sheen in males. It feeds on aquatic plants and invertebrates in streams and marshes. Threatened by hybridization with feral Mallards and habitat loss, its population is critically endangered, requiring protective measures.
Orpington Duck
The Orpington Duck, a domestic Mallard-derived breed from England, is bred for eggs and meat. With buff or blond plumage, it has a sturdy frame and calm temperament. Kept on farms, it feeds on grains, greens, and insects, thriving in non-migratory settings. Its versatility and attractive coloration make it popular among small-scale poultry farmers.
Saxony Duck
The Saxony Duck, a German domestic breed from the Mallard, is raised for meat, eggs, and exhibition. Males have a grayish-brown head and apricot breast, while females are buff with white eye stripes. Non-migratory, it feeds on grains and plants in farm environments. Its robust build and vibrant plumage make it a standout in domestic flocks.
Magpie Duck
The Magpie Duck, a domestic Mallard breed, is known for its striking black-and-white or blue-and-white plumage, resembling a magpie. Developed in the UK, it’s bred for eggs and ornamental purposes. Feeding on grains and insects, it thrives in farm settings with a friendly disposition. Its bold markings and moderate egg production appeal to hobbyist farmers.