Among the Indigenous peoples of the Southeastern Woodlands, including the Seminole, Miccosukee, Timucua, and Apalachee, birds were often seen as messengers between the spirit world and the physical realm. In that sense, brown ducks can be viewed as symbols of a grounded connection to the earth, reflecting qualities like home, reliability, simplicity, and consistency. But…
Among the more than 30 duck species found in Florida, black ducks are easy to overlook, and are often dismissed as plain compared to their more colorful counterparts. But these birds are far from ordinary. Each species has its own subtle beauty and plays an important role in Florida’s subtropical ecosystems. Spotted a black duck…
Mottled Ducks (often called Florida ducks) are among the most familiar species you will find in the state. They show up in just about any freshwater habitat, from rivers and local ponds to lakes and marshes. But while they are Florida’s signature species, they are far from the only ducks you can see here. In…
Diving ducks get their name from their feeding behavior: they actively plunge beneath the water’s surface to forage. Unlike dabbling ducks, which feed mainly at or just below the surface, diving ducks fully submerge, using their strong legs and compact bodies to pursue aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish underwater. There are more than 40…
Among the over 30 duck species found in Florida (ranging from year-round residents to rare seasonal visitors), those with bright, colorful plumage often steal the spotlight among birdwatchers. Their striking patterns are hard to miss, and they tend to attract the most attention. Yet, Florida is also home to a number of equally fascinating ducks…