Most of us watch ducks gliding across ponds, rivers, and lakes without giving much thought about them. They’re familiar, almost part of the everyday scenery in parks and wetlands around the world. But spend a little longer studying these birds, and you start to realize ducks are anything but ordinary. There are over 130 species…
Whoever coined the phrase “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” was quite the diplomat, but we had to throw diplomacy out the window when choosing the world’s prettiest ducks. Just think about it: there are around 130 duck species worldwide, and only 20 of them—about 15 percent—could make the cut. In fact, we…
The Gadwall is a medium-sized dabbling duck that is most often found in freshwater wetlands such as marshes, lakes, and quiet ponds. It is similar in size to a wigeon and is known for its strong flying ability and tendency to move in tight, coordinated flocks. Although it is widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, it…
The following is intended as a very concise summary of the characteristics of ducks that distinguish them from many other birds and aquatic organisms. It is provided as a guide to students, instructors, and the ornithologically curious who want to grasp the big picture of duck biology. It reflects general features of waterfowl in the…
Duck Nickname Search 🦆 Search Duck Nicknames Enter a duck name to find its nicknames and alternate names: Search Clear Try these: Mallard, Wood Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye Enter a duck name above to see its nicknames and alternate names. Have you ever heard a wildlife enthusiast refer to a water bird as a “snake…
There are more than 130 species of ducks found across lakes, rivers, wetlands, and coastlines around the world. Sadly, many of these remarkable waterfowl are facing serious threats to their survival. Pollution, hunting, habitat loss, and climate change have all taken a toll on duck populations, pushing several species dangerously close to extinction. This is…