Ducks are one of the most wide-spread and visible bird families. They are one of the few bird families that are still hunted and much of the success in maintaining duck populations is due to the conservation efforts of duck hunters and organizations like Ducks Unlimited.

Almost anyone can recognize a duck when they see one. Their stocky body, short legs and neck, and large, flat bill are give-aways.

There are a few species that can be confused with a duck. Geese for example, can look very much like a duck. Check the Not a Duck section for information on more duck imposters.

Most ducks molt their flight feathers in the late summer. They remain as hidden as possible during this dangerous time. Males look more like the drabber females during this period, perhaps improving their ability to remain hidden. (referred to as "eclipse" plumage) And yes, like many bird species, the males are the more colorful of the two sexes.

Mallards - male left, female on the right

The Mallard is probably the best known duck species. It is common and wide-spread.
Some Mallard populations are migratory while others are permanent residents.
Migratory Mallards pair up in the fall and winter. When they head north, the male follows the female to her home turf.

Mallard cross something

Mallards will cross-breed with other duck species, producing some of the strange color patterns seen in many park ducks.

Ducks are often placed into several broad categories or family groups, as shown on the right. Select a family group to learn about the ducks in that family.

Duck Hunting

To hunt ducks in a successful and legal manner, duck hunters need to be able to quickly identify the ducks they see. In some locations and at certain times, a point system is used to manage how many of particular species can be taken. Shooting a high-point duck can finish a day's hunting in a hurry.

Hunting seasons change from place to place and time of year. Shooting a species out of season can reult in a hefty fine, so learn to identify ducks before heading into the field.

The information on this site is provided by Birdzilla.com. The information will make it easy to compare different species and aid in their identification. Links to detailed information on each species are provided. The detailed information includes each duck's call as well as in-flight images and movies for some species.

 

Duck Hunting Chat

The Duck Hunting Chat web site provides duck hunters the opportunity to learn more about duck hunting and to share their experiences.

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