Scientific Name Somateria mollissima borealis Alternative Names Common Eider, Northern Eider, Borealis Eider, St. Cuthbert’s Duck, Cuddy’s Duck Measurements Measurement Range Imperial Length 500–710 mm 20–28 in Weight 0.81–3.04 kg 1.8–6.7 lb Wingspan 800–1100 mm 31–43 in Status Least Concern globally, though the borealis subspecies is considered rare in Britain and under review by the…
Scientific Name Melanitta americana Alternative Names Black Scoter, American Scoter, Macreuse noire (French) Measurements Measurement Range Imperial Length 430–550 mm 17–21.5 in Weight 950 g 2.09 lb Wingspan 710 mm 28 in Wing 213–233 mm 8.4–9.2 in Tail 83–97 mm 3.3–3.8 in Culmen 42–45.5 mm 1.65–1.79 in Tarsus 45–48.5 mm 1.77–1.91 in Status Near Threatened…
Scientific Name Tachyeres brachypterus Alternative Names Falkland Flightless Steamer Duck Measurements Feature Male Female Length 61–74 cm 61–74 cm Weight 3.3–4.8 kg 2.9–4.2 kg Wingspan 84–94 cm 84–94 cm Status Endemic to the Falkland Islands and listed as Least Concern due to its stable population, estimated between 27,000 and 48,000 individuals. Identification A large, heavy…
Scientific Name Anas platyrhynchos domesticus Alternative Names Buff Orpington Duck, Buff Duck Measurements Sex Weight Drake 2.2–3.4 kg Duck 2.2–3.2 kg Status Listed as a threatened breed by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) and included on the Rare Breed Survival Trust Watch List. Identification A light, broad-bodied duck with an oval head, curved neck,…
Scientific Name Anas fulvigula Alternative Names Mottled Mallard Measurements Sex Length Weight Wingspan Male 50–57 cm (19.7–22.5 in) 880–1,240 g (30.9–43.8 oz) 83–87 cm (32.7–34.3 in) Female 47–53 cm (18.5–21.0 in) 700–1,150 g (24.7–40.6 oz) 80–83 cm (31.5–32.7 in) Status Fairly common within its range. Populations are stable but closely monitored due to hybridization risks…
Scientific Name Anas platyrhynchos domesticus Alternative Names Magpie Duck, British Magpie Measurements Feature Male Female Length About 55–65 cm (22–26 in) About 50–60 cm (20–24 in) Weight 2.5–3.2 kg (5.5–7 lb) 2.0–2.7 kg (4.5–6 lb) Wingspan Around 80–90 cm (31–35 in) Around 80–90 cm (31–35 in) Status First bred in Britain after World War I…
Scientific Name Anas platyrhynchos Alternative Names Pekin, White Pekin, Long Island Duck Measurements Feature Male Female Length About 50–60 cm (20–24 in) About 50–60 cm (20–24 in) Weight 4.5 kg (10 lb) 4.1 kg (9 lb) Wingspan Around 85–95 cm (33–37 in) Around 85–95 cm (33–37 in) Status Listed as “not at risk” by the…
Scientific Name Anas undulata Alternative Names Yellowbill, African Yellow-billed Duck Measurements Feature Male Female Length 51–58 cm (20–23 in) 51–58 cm (20–23 in) Weight Around 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) Slightly lighter Wingspan 80–95 cm (31–37 in) 80–95 cm (31–37 in) Status A common and widespread resident of southern and eastern Africa. Though not migratory, it…
Among the many duck species, ducks with yellow bills hold a special charm for bird enthusiasts. The warm, golden hue of their bills stands out beautifully against their varied plumage—whether it’s the glossy green head of a Mallard or the soft brown tones of a Mottled Duck. This distinctive feature doesn’t just make them easy…
Scientific Name Oxyura ferruginea Alternative Names Andean Ruddy Duck Measurements Feature Male Female Length 35–43 cm (14–17 in) Slightly smaller Weight 500–800 g (1.1–1.8 lb) Slightly lighter Wingspan About 60–70 cm (24–28 in) — Status Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with stable populations throughout its Andean range. Identification A small, compact…