Duck, Geese & Waterfowl
All About Ducks
Learn all about ducks - basic information, species profiles, identification tips, feeding, photos and more. Great duck details for both beginning and advanced birders.
What Is a Duck?
Understanding what makes a duck a duck will help birders better appreciate the great diversity in this family of birds.
Types of Ducks
When most non-birders think of ducks, they picture the common mallard or various hybrid ducks on local ponds. Birders know, however, that there are many different types of ducks – few of which actually have the word “duck” in their name.
American Coot
Detailed bird profile of the American coot: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for finding American coots in the field.
American Wigeon
Beautifully colored and with a distinctive squeaky voice, the American wigeon is a popular dabbler found throughout North America in different seasons.
Bufflehead
Easily recognized by its distinct plumage and small size, the bufflehead is a popular duck in many areas of North America.
Brown Pelican
Detailed bird profile of the brown pelican: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction.
Cinnamon Teal
Richly colored and relatively common in the west, the cinnamon teal is a popular dabbling duck. Learn more about them, including how to identify cinnamon teal, what they eat, how they reproduce and more.
Canvasback
Detailed bird profile of the canvasback: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction.
Common Goldeneye
Detailed bird profile of the common goldeneye: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for attracting common goldeneyes in the appropriate habitat.
Clark's Grebe
Detailed bird profile of the Clark's grebe: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for finding Clark's grebes while birding.
Egyptian Goose
The Egyptian goose is brilliantly colored and easily recognizable. Found as a feral bird in many places, this unusual large duck is an astonishing bird to see.
Harlequin Duck
Detailed bird profile of the harlequin duck: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for seeing harlequin ducks in the field and how to protect them.
Common Loon
Detailed bird profile of the common loon: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for observing these divers in the wild.
Mallard
Detailed bird profile of the mallard: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for visiting backyard mallards.
Greater Scaup
Detailed bird profile of the greater scaup: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction.
Northern Shoveler
Detailed bird profile of the northern shoveler: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for seeing northern shovelers in the field.
Lesser Scaup
Detailed bird profile of the lesser scaup: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction.
Mandarin Duck
The mandarin duck is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful dabbling ducks in the world, but how much do you know about this attractive species? Its behavior, feeding habits and other trivia might surprise you.
Pied-Billed Grebe
The pied-billed grebe can be secretive and shy, but it is also widespread and relatively common. Learn how to identify them and discover if you have already seen one. If not, learn how you can!
Wood Duck
Detailed bird profile of the wood duck: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for attracting wood ducks to the appropriate habitat.
Ruddy Duck
Detailed bird profile of the ruddy duck: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for attracting ruddy ducks to your backyard in the appropriate habitat.
Western Grebe
Detailed bird profile of the western grebe: appearance, foods, habitat, behavior and reproduction. Includes tips for seeing western grebes while birding.