In North America, there are a diverse array of native ducks, with a total of at least twenty-nine different species. These waterfowl inhabit various habitats, including wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes, and rivers throughout the United States.
1. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos): The mallard is perhaps the most well-known and widespread duck species in North America. It can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including urban parks and agricultural areas.
2. American Black Duck (Anas rubripes): This duck is primarily found in the eastern part of North America. It prefers habitats such as marshes, swamps, and estuaries.
3. Northern Pintail (Anas acuta): The northern pintail is easily recognizable by its long, elegant neck and pointed tail feathers. It can be seen in both freshwater and saltwater habitats across the continent.
4. Wood Duck (Aix sponsa): The wood duck is known for its stunningly colorful plumage. It is commonly found in wooded wetlands and swamps.
5. Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca): This small duck species prefers shallow wetlands and marshes. It has distinctive green patches on its wings.
6. Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors): Similar in size to the green-winged teal, the blue-winged teal is characterized by its blue-gray wing patches. It can be found in various wetland habitats.
7. Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera): The cinnamon teal is primarily found in the western parts of North America, particularly in the southwestern United States. It has a reddish-brown plumage.
8. Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata): Named for its large, spoon-shaped bill, the northern shoveler can be found in wetlands and shallow lakes across the country.
9. Gadwall (Mareca strepera): This medium-sized dabbling duck is known for its mottled gray-brown plumage. It inhabits a wide range of wetland habitats.
10. American Wigeon (Mareca americana): The American wigeon is often seen in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. The males have a distinctive white crown patch and a green stripe behind their eyes.
11. Canvasback (Aythya valisineria): These diving ducks are commonly found on large bodies of water, such as lakes and bays. They have a reddish-brown head and a long, sloping profile.
12. Redhead (Aythya americana): The redhead is another diving duck species found on lakes and coastal areas. The males have a bright red head and a gray body.
13. Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris): This diving duck can be seen in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. The males have a dark, iridescent head with a white ring around their necks.
14. Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis): Similar in appearance to the greater scaup, the lesser scaup is a diving duck species found in a variety of aquatic habitats.
15. Greater Scaup (Aythya marila): The greater scaup is often seen on large lakes and coastal areas. It has a dark head and a light gray body.
16. Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola): The bufflehead is a small diving duck species known for its striking black and white plumage. It can be found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats.
17. Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula): This diving duck is primarily found in freshwater habitats, including lakes and rivers. The males have a distinctive black and white plumage.
18. Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica): Similar to the common goldeneye, Barrow’s goldeneye is found in western North America. It has a dark head and a white crescent-shaped patch on its face.
19. Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus): The hooded merganser is a small diving duck known for its unique appearance. The males have a large, fan-shaped crest on their heads.
20. Common Merganser (Mergus merganser): This large diving duck is primarily found in freshwater habitats, including lakes and rivers. The males have a green head and a white body.
21. Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator): The red-breasted merganser is often seen in coastal areas and larger bodies of freshwater. The males have a reddish-brown head with a shaggy crest.
22. Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis): The ruddy duck is a small diving duck species known for its bright blue bill and distinctive breeding plumage. It can be found in wetlands across North America.
23. Canada Goose (Branta canadensis): Although technically a goose, the Canada goose is worth mentioning due to its abundance and presence in North America. It is commonly seen in various aquatic habitats, including lakes, rivers, and fields.
These are just a few examples of the diverse range of ducks found in North America. Each species has its own unique characteristics, habitat preferences, and behaviors, adding to the richness and beauty of our native waterfowl. Exploring the world of ducks can be a fascinating and rewarding experience for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.