11 Ducks With Red Beaks

A red beak is one of those features that instantly catches your eye when watching birds — it adds a splash of color that makes them unforgettable. Ducks with red beaks, in particular, always seem to stand out from the flock. Whether it’s a soft pinkish-red or a bright fiery shade, that touch of color brings real character to their look.

But have you ever thought about why some ducks have red beaks? In many cases, it’s nature’s way of showing off — helping males attract attention during mating season. For others, the red tone may play a part in signaling health, maturity, or even blending into their colorful surroundings. Whatever the reason, ducks with red beaks never fail to make birdwatching a little more exciting.

1. Muscovy Duck

I bet the first duck that comes to mind for most duck lovers when you mention ducks with red beaks is the Muscovy duck, thanks to their striking bright red, bumpy face and matching red bills. The males are much larger than the females and look almost goose-like with their long necks and heavy bodies. Wild Muscovy Ducks are mostly black with white patches on their wings that shine green in sunlight, while domestic ones come in all kinds of colors. They often hang around farms, ponds, and parks, calmly dabbling for food or resting in the shade.

2. Common Merganser

This elegant duck is often seen gliding on lakes and rivers, showing off its long, narrow red beak — a perfect tool for catching fish. The male has a dark green head and a white body with a black back, while the female wears gray with a rusty-red head and a sharp white throat. Both have the same striking red beak that stands out against their smooth feathers. You might spot them resting on rocks or swimming swiftly downstream as they dive for their next meal.

3. Common Shelduck

The Common Shelduck is large, graceful, and looks almost like a mix between a duck and a goose. What really makes it stand out is its bright red beak — smooth, strong, and easy to spot even from a distance. Males even have a little red knob at the base of their beak, giving them an extra touch of charm. Their body is mostly white with a bold chestnut band around the middle and black markings on the head and wings. You’ll often find them along sandy coasts and mudflats, where they feed on small creatures like snails and crabs.

4. Red-crested Pochard

The Red-crested Pochard looks like it’s dressed for a parade! The male has a round, orange head and a bright red beak that shines in the sunlight. His chest is black, his sides are white, and his back is brown — a very sharp outfit indeed. The female is softer in color, mostly brown with a pale face, but she still carries a hint of elegance. These ducks love calm lakes and ponds, where they dive or tip forward to eat plants underwater. In winter, you might see large flocks of them gathered together, looking like a splash of color against the cool water.

5. Black-bellied Whistling Duck

The Black-bellied Whistling Duck is one of the easiest ducks to recognize. It stands tall like a little heron and has a bright red-orange beak that really stands out against its chestnut-colored chest and gray face. Its belly is black — just like its name — and it has long pink legs that make it look even taller. Both males and females look alike, often seen perched in trees or walking together near ponds and wetlands. When they fly, you can spot their white wing patches and red bills flashing in the air.

6. Red-breasted Merganser

The Red-breasted Merganser is a sleek diving duck with a thin red beak made for catching fish. The male has a spiky greenish head, a white ring around the neck, and a reddish chest, while the female wears rusty-brown feathers with a soft gray body. Both share that same narrow red bill that sets them apart. You can often see these ducks swimming fast in lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, diving underwater to chase their food.

7. Mandarin Duck

The Mandarin Duck might just be one of the most beautiful ducks in the world! The male looks like it’s wearing a fancy costume, with orange “sails” on its back, colorful feathers, and a bright red beak to complete the look. The female is much plainer, with soft gray and brown feathers and a white stripe by her eyes. Mandarins like quiet ponds surrounded by trees and often nest high up in tree holes. When the ducklings hatch, the mother calls them down — and they bravely jump to the ground before heading to the water!

8. Red-billed Teal

The Red-billed Teal is a graceful, soft-colored duck that gets its name from its bright red bill. Its body is covered in brown and white patterned feathers, and it has a black cap on its head that contrasts nicely with its pale face. Both males and females look the same, and they’re often found together in large flocks across Africa. These ducks love calm freshwater places and often feed in the evening, dabbling for plants or insects near the water’s edge.

9. King Eider

If you ever spot a King Eider, you’ll instantly see why it deserves its royal name! The male looks like it’s dressed for a parade, with a mix of black and white feathers and a brightly colored head. His bill stands out most of all — a bold red-orange with a round orange knob that looks almost like a crown. Females look completely different, wearing reddish-brown feathers patterned with black for camouflage. These ducks live in the cold Arctic regions and spend their winters near icy seas, where they dive to eat shellfish, crabs, and sea snails.

10. Cape Teal

The Cape Teal is a gentle, soft-colored duck found in the open wetlands of southern Africa. Both the male and female look alike, with mostly pale gray feathers and a soft pink touch on their bills — their most eye-catching feature. These ducks love calm waters and are often seen feeding quietly on plants and small water creatures. Even though they don’t migrate long distances, they move around when the rains come. They may seem shy, but during the breeding season, you might hear the male’s cheerful whistle echoing across the water.

11. Torrent Duck

The Torrent Duck is one of the most fascinating ducks you’ll ever meet — it lives in fast-moving mountain rivers of the Andes! These ducks are powerful swimmers that can dive and paddle upstream through rushing white water like tiny feathered superheroes. Both males and females have striking red bills, but their bodies look very different. The male has bold black and white stripes on his head, while the female has rusty-orange underparts and a gray head. You’ll often find them perched on rocks in the middle of roaring streams, calmly watching the water — truly masters of their mountain homes.