Ducks, Geese, Swans

The 150 or so species of ducks, geese and swans populate all continents except Antarctica. They inhabit lakes, ocean, bays, marshes and ponds, from the icy extremes of the Arctic Circle to the steamy depths of equatorial rainforests. They range in size from the diminutive pygmy geese weighing in at less than a pound at 285 grams, to the swans tipping the scales at 12 Kg (27lbs) or more. As apparent as their variety, is an undeniable connection with this group and mankind, a connection which goes beyond the musing at feathered friends at feeders, or the dazzling delight of hummingbirds, or poetic songs of thrushes and wrens.
---Link to full/ longer version of the "Ode to Ducks" Essay
Link to view the "Cold Cruel World of the Duck" Essay
Link to Color Plates of the Worlds Waterfowl
Link to Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Center

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
These tree-nesting ducks, converge in the thousands in this fresh water basin amidst the dry forest habitat of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste National Park. The flooded lowlands of the Tempisque Basin, where drainage systems and cultivation have not eliminated the habitat, are a magnet to wildlife. This topography is also put to use in the cultivation of rice. The ducks will spend much of the day in the marshes, and travel to the rice patties and other green grazing locations at dusk and in the night. Flock upon flock will whistle by on going to and fro, between feeding locations and the marsh, uttering excited peep-peeeep as they zoom bye in the darkness.

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck flight photographs by David Ross, Paloverde NWR, Costa Rica.

Plumed Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna eytoni) Common in northern and eastern Australia at waterholes and lagoons. The whistling ducks are aptly named, be it for their whistled calls and whistling wings in flight. Often feeding at night, these grazers will travel far away from water in search of grassy fields and other locations for food. One only needs to listen for their whistling wings in the darkness, to know they are about.
Check out TheBigZoo.coms web page on the Plumed (Eyton's) Whistling-Duck

The Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) is also known as the Fulvous Tree- Duck. They occurs in summer sporadically into the lower ¼ of the US. Central America is more central to its distribution. These photographed in flight above were in the company of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks at Paloverde National Wildlife Refuge in northwestern Costa Rica.

The Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) is one of the most common and recognized birds in North America. Their presence on ponds, lakes, cornfields, golf courses and grassy green spaces in parks, development and airports, is hard to miss. They are unmistakable harbingers of spring and fall. The honking of geese permeates into our houses and apartments, as they fly in V formations to and from breeding and nesting grounds, from cornfield to lake edge. They seem to nest on almost any available pond, where the sight of their golden goslings is much anticipated in the spring.
"One swallow does not make a summer, but one skein of geese, cleaving the murk of March thaw, is the Spring."
--Aldo Leopold

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis canadensis)
"A March morning is only as drab as he who walks in it without a glance skyward, ear cocked for geese."
— Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac

Cackling Goose (Branta canadensis minima)
Honey I shrunk the goose! Does this Canada Goose look funny to you? Take a look at how short the neck is! This Mallard Duck-sized form of the Canada Goose is known as the Cackling Goose (Branta canadensis minima). It is found in far western Alaska. It and is the smallest of the Canada Goose subspecies, hence the subspecies name of minima.

The Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) pictured above like many species of geese is a grazer—a herbivore, eater of grasses, leaf and stem. This species is an old world northern European/ north Atlantic species found in the fields and farmland close to the coast. Follow this link to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' Barnacle Goose Page . Occasionally Barnacle Geese are seen along the northeastern coast of the United States. Check out this e-nature flash card which discusses the dangers faced by the Barnacle Goose's chicks

With salt glands allow them to expel salt they consume when drinking seawater the Brant (Branta bernicula) is a 2 lb black ”sea goose” well adapted to life along the coast. Their diet includes much eel grass and sea lettuce as well as crustaceans. These are an example of a circumpolar breeder (a species that nests all along the Arctic Circle). They are seen migrating in the winter along the northern coasts flying in straight lines that occasionally bunch up. The individual above was photographed along a jetty off Long Island, NY, USA.

White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) Another circumpolar polar breeder with a winter range extending occasionally into portions of the continental US.

Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) Nest in the tundra towards the Arctic Circle. The white form is seen flying above here, while the blue form will often be seen intermixed with them along the wintering grounds. These geese are a yearly spectacle along the coast of the mid Atlantic states, where they winter in flocks of thousands, at places such as Brigantine NJ, Chesapeake Bay, and Carolina Coast. The photo above was taken at Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge on a fall day with the wind blowing across the reeds. In the distance you could here a constant drone of wings and honking as thousands upon thousands of the large white birds, stirred to the air, and circled about looking for food, shelter, safety.

The Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) is also know as the Whistling Swan. They breed in far northern Canada, and and Alaska close to the Arctic Circle. Their winter haunts include coastal and isolated areas of the US interior.
They measure 52 inches from tail to beak, and graze on grasses and seeds when on land, and rooted submergent vegetation when foraging from the water surface.
The Birds of Nova Scotia Tundra Swan Page
The Neartica Site on the Tundra Swan Page

The Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is an oddity amongst the 7 swan species of the world. Its natural distribution is Australian, though like the Mute Swan--but to a lesser extent, it has been raised domestically and introduced into ponds in various parts of the world.
Australian Fauna.com web page on the Black Swan

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) a beautiful menace?
This species has been introduced as an ornamental throughout much of the US and other parts of the world. These large European natives have established healthy growing populations along the Eastern Seaboard of the Mid-Atlantic states in the US. Their protected status has been challenged as of late by some state wildlife management agencies. The species is a grazer, and consumer of aquatic vegetation. Their unchecked foraging does damage to the environment –as overgrazing by sheep and cattle might to range lands if not managed properly. The Mute Swans aggressive behaviors towards other species, and their overgrazing of aquatic habitat, results in less available resources and added strain on native species. The thought of hunting a beautiful white, graceful swan is too painful for many individuals to bear. The public opinion on this currently leans heavily towards the peaceful, majestic, graceful image of the swan. The Mute Swan in the US however, is an alien animal that is negatively impacting native species. If it ceased to breed in North America, it would still exist in it's native Europe, and North American Species would experience one less negative environmental impact. A variety of factors such as habitat destruction, and over hunting in the age of market gunners had pushed native North American swans towards extinction. Their continued recovery and that of other waterfowl, might warrant the absence of the Mute Swan--at least stateside, roaming free. Negative Factoid: Did you know that the Mute Swan has reportedly killed at least 2 people—keep your children at a distance!

Photo above of several Mute Swans feeding at low tide, at Mount Sinai Harbor on the North Shore of Long Island, NY. They are seen here eating algae (such as eel grass) that becomes more accessible as the tide goes out.

The Cape Barren Goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae) is one of the rarest species of geese in the world. They are protected from hunting, and inhabit the barren windswept islands and coasts of Tasmania and mainland Australia. Like many goose species it is primarily a grazer. Its ability to drink salty or brackish water allow this species to live on islands that other species can not. For more detailed information link to the Tasmanian government page on Cape Barren Goose.

SHELDGEESE AND SHELDUCKS

Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea)
Native to Africa, Asia and Europe, but nesting in north Africa and central Asia. This tree hole-nesting duck, will forage in both lake/pond habitat ,as well as in fields on insects and grasses at some distance from water.
visit the bristol zoo.org page on the Ruddy Shelduck
Shelducks of the World Page from Waterfowl of Chenoa site

Photographed in Kenya, the Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca) is found throughout the Ethiopian Region (northern 1/2) of Africa. They are found along river lakes and marshes, almost wherever there is water. They are at home on in the tree branches, where they nest, on the shore and in the water. For more information regarding these waterfowl visit the following links;
Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo Egyptian Goose Page
Birds of Britain Introduced Egyptian Goose Page
Honolulu Zoo Egyptian Goose Page

The beautiful Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) is native to China. This species is a member of the same genus that includes North America's Wood Duck. The Mandarin Duck like the Wood Duck is a cavity nester. Their use of holes in trees have given rise to the popular name of "tree ducks" or perching ducks. For more information on Mandarin Ducks click this link to the:
Honolulu Zoo's Mandarin Duck Page.

The North American Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) is truly a stunningly plumaged bird. The striking color pattern, and iridescent blue and green feathers have made this a bird sought after for fishing lures, and mounts to be displayed in barber shops, aside dusty stuffed bobcats and foxes. Hunting pressure and habitat loss had pushed this species towards the brink of extinction in the early 1900s. Conservation programs providing nest boxes suitable for the Wood Duck have by in large brought them back. This cavity nester uses tree holes large enough to raise their broods. Wood Ducks can be quite wary of man beyond the city pond and park. More times than not the only hint of the Wood Ducks presence is their whistled calls and the sound of wings moving quickly away. A good view may be obtained by sitting quietly pond-side, perhaps partially obscured by foliage, awaiting a bird or pair to alight. Again the first sign of Wood Ducks being near, will probably be the whistled calls, or the sound of them splashing down
.

Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata)
Best known in north of the Rio Grande as an exotic domesticated goose sized duck of pond and park, the muscovy is native to to Latin America, where it has had to be far more wary than the park-side variety in order to survive. Their diet is that of an omnivore, taking in much animal matter in the form of small fish and crustaceans as well as some plant/ seeds.

The Hartlaub's Duck (Pteronetta hartlaubii) is found along the shaded rain forest streams, and ponds of western Africa. They are said to perch in trees over water. Where suitable wetland habitat is present the birds are around, the plight of this species however, will follow that of the countless other creatures and plants that exist in our shrinking rainforests. There has been some success however in breeding numerous waterfowl species in captivity. It would be a sad day, when the only representatives of this species would be found in a zoos.

Pygmy geese are amongst the smallest of all waterfowl. At around a half a pound these ducks frequent bodies of water choked with floating vegetation. At home feeding upon the seeds and shoots of lilly pads. The African Pygmy Goose (Nettapus auritus) pictured above, with it's goose-like beak was once placed within the category of perching duck, but now it is thought to be but another dabbling duck. For more information visit the
FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology Page on the Pygmy Goose .

The Australian Wood Duck (Chenonetta jubata) is also known as the Maned Goose, is a common species in wetlands throughout Australia. For more information on this duck with a mane of loose feathers on the back of its head check out;
The Feathersite's page on the "Maned Goose"

The "dabbling ducks", dabblers, or puddle ducks are the species one is most likely to associate with ducks in general. They are common at the city park and local pond. They will acclimate to people and expect regular handouts and eat from the hand of man. The Dabbling Ducks of the genus Anas probably best represent the group. Their antics include tipping bottom skyward as they put their heads beneath the surface to feed off of the shallow bottom.

The Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), is perhaps the most common of all ducks. This dabbling duck haunts park ponds almost everywhere, but is at home in its natural habitat of marsh, pond, and lakeside across North America. Few other species of ducks seem to have the number of credited of hybridizing with other species. The affinity of the drake Mallard to breed with other species has raised concerns for the American Black Ducks future. The question of will the Mallard’s gene pool eventually swamp out and eliminate that the of the Black duck has been raised for years now.

The male Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) is most easily identified by the large white crescent between the bill and eye. At just over 15 inches in length and around a pound in weight it's average in size amongst teal, but much smaller than many other dabbling ducks such as the Mallard, and North American Black Ducks both measuring 23 inches and weighing 2 and 1/2lbs. Dabbling ducks such as this teal will filter feed, sifting the top surface layer of the water, as they swim along slowly. They will also submerge their heads to feed on underwater vegetation.

The Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera) is an inhabitant of marshes ponds lakes. The female is on the left.
For more information and a link to the natural history of this teal try;
BirdCentral.net's page on Cinnamon Teal

Named for their diminutive size, the Hottentot Teal (Anas hottentota) at 11 inches in length is even smaller than the African Pygmy Goose. This smallest of the African continent's duck species is found widely across eastern and central Africa on ponds with enough vegetation for cover.

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes)
The American Black Duck is one of the more common dabblers in the eastern US especially near the coastal tidal marshes. These were a given to be observed on any winter walk around the harbor I birded on Long Island back in my childhood, but unlike the Mallard so apt to approach closely for handouts, the Black Duck was far more wary, more easily observed through binoculars or spotting scope. This wild duck, of forest and marshes has seen decline over the decades as people further populate and develop the eastern seaboard of the US. Mallards on the other hand seem to be increasing.

The Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa) is the most widespread or commonest duck in Australia. For detailed information on this relative of the Mallard Duck, visit:
the Australian Museums Page on the Pacific Black Duck

Diving ducks, true to their name are able to dive and swim beneath the waters surface, and access vegetation and prey at greater depths than their shallow dabbling duck counterparts. The image above is of a raft of The Redhead (Aythya americana) set a wing by would be photographer. These ducks feed on submerged aquatic vegetation and invertebrates. The image above was taken at the Pea Island NWR on the Outer banks of North Carolina. The males have the red heads, the females have the brown to tan heads. The Redhead breeds in the Prairie Pothole region of North America, but like these birds above, they winter along the coast. This species and other diving ducks which regularly pull hard invertebrates from the bottom and muck--such as snails, will ingest lead shot from the bottom of the shallow lakes and bays. This is why you sometimes hear the discussion about lead shot in shotguns, versus other non-toxic shot. Lead is dense and soft, it has greater range and impact, and it does not wear out the barrel of your gun, but that which does not find its mark, may poison birds that pick it up while foraging. There are many pressures on wildlife populations, be they lead shot, hunting in general or habitat loss. While the day in January of 2008 allowed views of over 1000 Redheads one would not imagine a species in any sort of danger or threat of extinction. While current estimates of the species total population have the bird at over a million, it has not always been a rosy picture for this red-headed duck.. This species currently have watchlist status according to the National Audubon Society website on waterbirds.

A pochard, the Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) is a muscular heavyweight amongst the ducks. Individuals weighing almost 4lbs have been reported, though 2.5--2.75lbs seems the norm. Somehow the sloped forehead and bill seem fitting to a duck that has been clocked at over 70mph. Largely vegetarian, this species and others have suffered from lead shot poisoning. Lead shot (discharged from shotguns by hunters) rests in bottom sediment. When ducks such as the Canvasback strain mud with their bills to feed upon seeds, they ingest the lead pellets as well. The lead pellets result in lead poisoning, and death to the birds. States have tried to apply hunting regulations requiring non-lead shot, such as steel shot in an attempt to eliminate this problem. While a direct result of hunting, hunters will tell you point blank, that they do more to conserve and protect duck and geese populations than anyone else. This is accomplished through the tested and true method of wildlife management, and that is habitat management. Groups such as Ducks Unlimited, and hunters whom purchase federal duck stamps, help purchase additional and manage existing habitat needed for waterfowl to survive and breed. Non-hunters can contribute to waterfowl habitat management and conservation through purchasing a federal duck stamp, and through joining conservation organizations such as The National Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, The National Wildlife Federation, The World Wildlife Foundation and local zoological societies.

The Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina) is native to much of Europe and Central Asia. Found throughout the Russian steppes, they breed in ponds with enough vegetation around to conceal their nests. Like many ducks, geese and swans, this pochard is largely vegetarian, diving shallow waters to feed upon the shoots, stems, and seeds of aquatic plants. The startling--almost clown-like appearance of this species has resulted in its popularity with aviculturist. Consequently it is not uncommon to find escaped individuals on ponds well outside their native eurasian haunts. The above individual was photographed at Duke Gardens in Durham, North Carolina, USA. This individual perched on a frozen pond, awaiting handouts by passersby during a cold spell. Some links to more information on the Red-crested Pochard are;
Liberec Zoo Site-for Red-crested Pochard
Maryland/Baltimore Zoo Site-for Red-crested Pochard

The Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) (also pictured in the banner at the top of the page), is common on ponds and lakes through North America. These are diving ducks that will feed on rooted plants in shallow water. The birds above were photographed in winter on a pond near Durham, North Carolina by the webmaster. For more detailed life history information visit the;
Ducks Unlimited Page on the Ring-necked Duck .

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) male
A close look at an eider should shout to anyone except the most casual observer, that this is no ordinary duck. These are the heavy duty models of diving ducks. They built on a stocky frame, and they are densely plumaged to the point of looking wooly. Of these most hardy and cold tolerant of the diving ducks the Common Eider is the largest. Eiders inhabit shallow bays along rocky coasts, where their prey is most likely to be abundant. These are ducks that dive to considerable depths to pull shellfish such as blue mussels off of the bottom, and eat them whole. Their dense down which is renowned and sought its value as an insulator against cold, is also used by the females to line their nests.

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) female

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is the smallest merganser species or "merg" in North America. Their sleek bodies and serrated bill allow them to pursue and hold fish-the meal of choice for mergansers. To me they always bring a certain excitement. In the spring during the breeding season beautiful male will erect his crest, throw his head back, rear out of the water with some rapid wing flaps, and utter a variety of low pitched gurgling calls that only the close will hear. To see the low afternoon or early morning light shine through the white feathers of the Hooded Merganser's crest, is to glance some of the wonder of waterfowl.

The Bufflehead (Bucephala buceola) is the smallest of North America's diving ducks. The peculiar name comes from a shortening of the name Buffalo-headed Duck, due to the large puffy appearance of the head. Buffleheads are cavity nesters. They breed in north western Canadian woodlands near lakes and pond, and winter further south where inland fresh water bodies, and ultimately coastal saltwater habitat is not frozen. They feed on a variety of aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish and vegetation as well.

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
A common breeding duck of the boreal forest, this holarctic species (one that breeds across the northern boreal forests of North America and Europe and Asia) needs tree cavities for nesting. The diet is one of shellfishes, crabs, and crayfish as well as seeds and tubers. Goldeneyes winters along the coasts as well as freshwater rivers and lakes, south of the northern breeding grounds (which are frozen solid in winter). Due to their wings whistling loudly when flying the name “Whistle-wing” has been used as well.
Link to more information on the Common Goldeneye at BirdCentral.net

The Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) drake pictured above, is a compact duck with a tail that sticks up "stiffly". The stiff tailed ducks have interesting breeding displays, with complicated vocalizations.
USGS page for the Ruddy Duck
BirdCentral.net's page on the Ruddy Duck

An Australian species, the Blue-billed Duck (Oxyura australis) above is listed as a vulnerable species. They breed in wooded swamps.
NSW. gov page on the Blue-billed Duck