Image: US Fish and Wildlife Service National Web Page
Image: South Atlantic Migratory Bird Initiative
Image: Region 4 Home Page

Waterfowl Identification


Shorebird
Waterfowl


Image: Mallard Drake
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Photo by USFWS
Waterfowl are an ideal group of birds for starting your education in bird identification because they are large in size, they tend to "stay put" on the water and they have distinct field marks. Look for the speculum (a patch of blue and green on the wing) and the color of the bill. Consider the duck's posture. Is it a "tip-up-duck" (a dabbler)? Or does it disappear below the surface for a long time (a diver)? Look for clues such as flocking behavior, wing beat, and habitat.
Flocking Behavior
Loose Group
Compact Bunch
"V" Formation
Waterfowl
Waterfowl
Waterfowl
Mallard
Teals
Canvasback
Pintails
Shoveler
Widgeons
Wing Beat
Whistling
Swishing Sound
Rushing Sound
Waterfowl
Waterfowl
Waterfowl
Goldeneye
Wood Duck
Canvasback

Habitat- Puddle Ducks like shallow marshes and creeks while Diving Ducks are commonly seen in large, deep, open water.


Take the
Waterfowl Quiz

*Bird banding questions? *Report a banded bird *Learn to identify birds *Learn to identify shorebirds
*Western Atlantic Shorebird Association *Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences
International Shorebird Survey
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