When not breeding, American wigeons winter to the south to Florida, Texas, and Mexico. American WigeonĪmerican Wigeons breed in the most Northwest parts of Canada in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. In-flight, you can spot the ducks’ white underwings along with their brown heads, compared to very dark bodies. Males have a yellow bill, while females have a dull green bill. The male and female are parallel except for their bill. Marshes, bogs, lakes, stream margins, brackish and salt marshes, and the margins of estuaries are all locations where you will find American black ducks.Īmerican black ducks will eat insects and amphibians in freshwater habitats and mollusks and crustaceans in brackish water.Īmerican black ducks have a dark plumage but are similar to mallards in size and color. During wintering, you can spot these ducks in large numbers between Long Island and North Carolina. When American black ducks winter, they move to the south from the Maritime Provinces to Florida. Year-round, you can find black ducks in the northeast states.

The highest densities of the ducks are in Maine and Nova Scotia during mating seasons. You can find American black ducks in the northern United States, from the Mississippi River to Ontario. Types of Dabbling Ducks American Black Duck Once the eggs hatch, birdlings can fly within two weeks. You can find Dabbling ducks in worldwide inland waters of the Northern Hemisphere.įemale dabbling ducks are responsible for laying and incubating 6-12 eggs for 20-25 days. You can spot dabbling ducks leaving the water with their flock noisily. Dabbling ducks rarely submerge themselves underwater. These ducks root through mud and water in shallow water to find insects and skim the top of the water for food. These types of ducks mainly feed on water plants, seeds, and insects. There are about 38 species of dabbling ducks. Dabbling ducks are also called dipping, surface-feeding, or freshwater ducks. Dabbling Duckĭabbling ducks are easily recognizable by their trait of sticking their rump out of the water while they feed. You may also like: How Do Ducks Mate? It’s Weirder Than You Think 3 Main Groups of Duck Species 1. Female coloring is designed to hide the hens better while brooding and taking care of hatchlings. On the other hand, female ducks are always more boring in color and are often brown. After breeding is over, many male ducks will molt and sport duller shades of brown and white until the following year. Other drakes will not participate in any of the nesting processes and will instead continue migrating to their molting locations.ĭrakes boast brilliant colors during mating season to attract the attention of hens. Hens lay and incubate the eggs, some drakes will guard their nest and chase away predators. Typically, the female’s breeding ground is where the egg she came from hatched. The female duck then leads the male back to their breeding ground, traveling together in the spring. Hens typically find their mate during the winter months. When speaking of species of ducks, males are called drakes, females are called hens, and baby ducks are known as ducklings. Tail feathers can also help with identification, for example, mallard’s tail feathers are curled. Dabbling ducks are the only ducks who stick their entire rear out of the water while feeding. Rump/Tail – While usually covered by wings, a duck’s rump can be helpful in identification. Wing – The wings of a duck and the body of a duck can often be drastically different colors, which helps in identifying duck species.īreast – Seen when the duck is flying, the breast of the duck may boast different colors, mottling, or distinct patterns. Throat – The throat is noted on a duck when there is a prominent ring around the base of the duck’s neck.Īuriculars – The duck’s auriculars are the duck’s cheeks! Sometimes, there is distinctive coloring on the auriculars only. Nail – on the tip of the duck’s bill is a slightly thicker tip, called the nail. The crown of a duck’s head can help identify a duck based on whether it is flatter or more peaked.īill – A duck’s bill is often spatula-shaped to help them filter their food from the water. Understanding the physical features of species of ducks helps outdoor nature enthusiasts and birders identify ducks quickly and accurately.Ĭrown – Just like humans., the crown is the very top of the head. What is the Smallest Duck in the World?.

Mallard duck sounds