12 Ducks That Look Like Geese
Douglas Adams once wrote, “If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, we have at least to consider the possibility that it is a duck.” But take a closer look, and you might start to question that idea. Some ducks bear such a striking resemblance to geese that even seasoned birdwatchers might do a double take. Whether it’s their size, upright stance, or the graceful way they glide across the water, a few duck breeds blur the line between duck and goose. So, which ducks could you easily mistake for a goose? In my opinion, here are 12 duck species that, to me, look more like geese than typical ducks.
1. Muscovy Duck
The first duck that naturally comes to mind when comparing ducks to geese is the impressive Muscovy Duck. These birds are large, heavy-bodied, and often just as big as a small goose. Their long necks and slow, deliberate walk add even more to the resemblance. What really sets them apart, though, are the bright red bumps—called caruncles—around their faces. Muscovies are quiet compared to most ducks; instead of quacking, they make soft hissing or cooing sounds. They’re strong flyers and good foragers too, often seen feeding on plants, insects, and even small fish.
2. Northern Pintail
At first glance, a Northern Pintail could easily be mistaken for a small, graceful goose. Its long, slender neck and pointed tail give it an elegant, stretched-out shape that’s not typical of most ducks. Males are especially striking with their chocolate-brown heads and white necks that seem to elongate their form even more. These birds prefer open wetlands and shallow waters, where they feed on seeds, grains, and aquatic plants. Pintails are long-distance travelers too—they migrate thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds, gliding across the sky in smooth, goose-like flight.
3. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
Now here’s a duck that really knows how to confuse people! The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck stands tall and upright, much like a goose, and its long pink legs only add to that illusion. Its mix of chestnut, black, and white feathers gives it a sleek and stylish look. These sociable ducks often perch in trees or gather in noisy flocks near ponds, lakes, and rice fields. They’re mostly plant eaters but won’t turn down the occasional insect snack.
4. Australian Wood Duck (Maned Duck)
The Australian Wood Duck, also known as the Maned Duck or even the Maned Goose, is one of the easiest ducks to mistake for a goose. Its body shape is more upright and rounded than most ducks, and it often walks around on land grazing on grass—just like geese do. Males have a short, dark “mane” on the back of their heads that gives them a distinctive look. These ducks are common across Australia and are often seen in pairs or small groups near open grasslands and water. Their gentle “g’day”–sounding calls make them a familiar sight and sound in parks and pastures.
5. Cotton Pygmy Goose
Despite its name, the Cotton Pygmy Goose isn’t a true goose—but it certainly looks like one in miniature form. It has a short neck and compact body, yet the bold white and dark green plumage gives it a goose-like elegance. Found in freshwater lakes and wetlands across Asia and northern Australia, this tiny duck spends much of its time floating among lilies, feeding on seeds and small aquatic plants. They nest in tree hollows close to water, and if you’re lucky, you might see a family gliding smoothly across a pond like a tiny fleet of geese.
Discover other tree-nesting ducks: 23 Ducks That Nest In Trees
6. African Pygmy Goose
Another duck that’s often mistaken for a goose due to its name is the African Pygmy Goose. Though not a true goose, it perfectly resembles one in miniature form. Its short neck, rounded body, and upright stance give it a goose-like charm, while its glossy green back, white face, and bright yellow bill make it stand out beautifully on the water. Found across sub-Saharan Africa, this tiny duck prefers quiet, lily-covered lakes and slow-moving rivers. It feeds mostly on water lily seeds, gently picking them from the surface. Though it weighs less than 300 grams, the African Pygmy Goose is a strong, fast flier, often darting swiftly between wetlands in search of food.
7. Ruddy Shelduck
The Ruddy Shelduck has a broad body, long neck, and proud stance that could easily make anyone think “goose” at first glance. Its warm orange-brown plumage and pale head add to its striking appearance. These birds prefer open wetlands and grasslands and are known for their loud, honking calls that sound very similar to a goose. They often form strong pairs and migrate long distances between breeding and wintering grounds. In many parts of Asia, the Ruddy Shelduck is even considered a symbol of loyalty and partnership because of its devoted mating habits.
8. Paradise Shelduck (New Zealand Shelduck)
The Paradise Shelduck, native to New Zealand, is another duck that blurs the line between duck and goose. It’s large, upright, and has a stately, goose-like posture. The males and females look quite different—males are dark and glossy, while females have white heads and rich chestnut bodies. They are often seen feeding on pastureland in pairs or family groups, grazing calmly much like domestic geese do. For New Zealanders, the Paradise Shelduck is a beloved native species, easily recognized and respected for its beauty and strong family bonds.
9. Common Shelduck
The Common Shelduck is one of those ducks that can easily make you do a double take—it looks more like a small goose than a typical duck. Its long neck, upright stance, and bold color pattern make it quite striking. With glossy green heads, white bodies, and a rich chestnut band across the chest, they’re beautiful to watch as they stroll along mudflats and estuaries. These birds often feed by filtering small invertebrates from shallow waters. They’re social and often seen in large flocks, their size and behavior adding even more to their goose-like presence.
10. Australian Shelduck
If you spot a large, upright duck with the confident stance of a goose wandering through southern Australia’s wetlands, you’ve probably met the Australian Shelduck. Both males and females have glossy dark plumage with chestnut markings and a white neck ring, but females also wear a distinct white patch around their eyes. They often graze on grasses like geese do and can be found in open fields near water. These shelducks are strong flyers and noisy companions, known for their loud, honking calls that echo across wetlands and farmlands alike.
11. Radjah Shelduck
At first glance, the Radjah Shelduck could easily pass for a goose—especially when in flight. Its large, sleek body and long wings give it a graceful, goose-like appearance in the air. On the ground, its pure white plumage with dark wing edges gives it a crisp, elegant look. Found mostly in northern Australia and New Guinea, Radjah Shelducks love calm coastal lagoons and mangrove-lined rivers. They’re gentle, quiet birds that prefer to feed on small aquatic insects and crustaceans. Birdwatchers often call them “halfway between a duck and a goose,” a description that fits them perfectly.
12. Wandering Whistling Duck
The Wandering Whistling Duck is another bird that blurs the line between duck and goose. With its long neck and legs, it stands taller and more upright than most ducks, giving it a goose-like posture. These ducks are found across tropical Australia and Southeast Asia, often in wetlands and rice fields. They’re social, graceful, and often gather in large flocks, floating together like a gentle chorus of half-ducks, half-geese. Their calm nature and elegant stance make them a favorite among birdwatchers who enjoy spotting “in-between” species.