Parade of Winter Florida Ducks
Updated: Apr. 24, 2020
Many Florida ducks, like Florida residents, are only here in the winter. Here are a few you might be able to see.
It’s no secret that Florida’s population booms in the winter. “Snowbirds” flock to our state to avoid snow, ice, and the other pitfalls of northern winters. But in some cases, the term “snowbird” is literal – Florida welcomes a lot of actual birds for the winter too. A lot of waterfowl spend the cold months here, where waters don’t freeze and food remains easily available. Last week I posted Hooded Mergansers overwintering here in Florida. Here are some more Florida ducks you’re more likely to spot here in the winter, and the places I’ve spotted them.
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Greater Scaup (Aythya marila), Tampa
Red-Breasted Merganser Female (Mergus serrator), Fort De Soto Park
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Redheads (Aythya americana) in mixed flock, Pinellas County
Ring-Necked Duck (Anthya collaris), Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Blue-Winged Teal (Anas discors), Circle B Bar Reserve
American Wigeon (Anas americana) and Blue-Winged Teal, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
