Although it might not feel like spring migration should be starting up, many types of ducks are already beginning their trek. As soon as lakes and reservoirs have open water, you can count on many ducks, geese, and other waterbirds to start their migration back to their breeding grounds. These 7 types of ducks are ones that you are likely to see if you head out to your local lake, reservoir, or marsh with a spotting scope this spring!
Northern pintail is one of my favorite ducks. The male’s pattern is extremely unique and distinct so you are unlikely to confuse this species with any of the other ducks. This species is more likely to be found in shallow ponds and marshes than on large bodies of water. Look for the very long tail feathers in flight, which will help you pick this species out from a great distance.
American wigeon are likely to be found alongside our first species, northern pintail, in shallow ponds and marshes. Keep a close eye on any large groups of American wigeon and you just might find a rare Eurasian wigeon in the flock!
The white crown on this species led to the old name “Baldpate” because it looks like a bald man’s head.
The female American Wigeon isn’t quite as distinctive as the male.
The name of this duck tells you just about everything you need to know about it! It has an incredible shovel like bill that it uses to filter mud as it looks for food.
Although their bill isn’t as distinctive as the northern shoveler, blue-winged teal use it to filter mud as they feed as well. The male of this species is easily identified by its bold white crescent on it’s head as well as its white hip-patch. Like many female birds, female blue-winged teal aren’t as flashy as the males so that they can blend in when on their nests.
Unlike our first four species, the canvasback is a duck that prefers deeper water as it dives to catch its meals. Both males and females have a very distinct sloping shape to their head.
I love how the stark white back contrasts with the rich brown color of the male Canvasback’s head.
Although the female doesn’t have the contrasting colors of the male Canvasback, notice how the head shape is consistent between the male and female.
This tiny diving duck is another one of my favorite waterfowl species. With a close view, the iridescent black on the head of the bufflehead is extremely striking!
This beautiful duck might look like it would stand out, but when it hides right along the shore, it can be difficult to spot. This species, and the bufflehead above, both nest in trees, unlike the other featured ducks that are all ground nesters.
Barbara Witt says
Thanks for contributing the ducks. We’ve got some on our pond right now. Maybe I’ll be able to see if they are among those you’ve mentioned.
from chico,texas
david Miller says
Wild ducks are all so beautiful but where is the beautiful wood duck?
Peggy Enquist says
David, I had a pair of wood ducks on my pond, Ottawa IL today, 4/5.
Dan says
Saw a couple of Hooded Mergansers on a pond the other day.
sheila mitchell says
Love this information…
I hope it is OK to ask a ?….
Is it ok for ducks to be in swimming pools…I saw some just yesterday and was concerned that they would get sick!!!
Thank you…..
elizabethsagarminaga says
I was really amazed to see this lovely nature while I was viewing this wonderful duck.Thanks for great ideas that you have posted here.I appreciated your good writing skills.Keep it up with those ideas.