Ducks may be some of the most familiar bird species even to non-birders, but what makes a duck a duck? The unique characteristics of these waterfowl are often overlooked and underappreciated in their avian diversity.

Types of Ducks

There are more than 100 species of ducks in the world, and many of them are uniquely specialized for different habitats, climates and diets. From eiders and scaups to dabblers and divers, the different types of ducks are intriguing for birders to familiarize themselves with.

By understanding more about what makes ducks unique, birders can more easily identify which waterfowl they see.

Duck Geography

Ducks are found throughout the world on every continent except Antarctica. They can be found in range of habitats, including marshes, rivers and oceans, but always require some open water. In many areas, foreign species of ducks are introduced to parks and gardens because of their exotic beauty, and in some cases these introduced species can become invasive and problematic for native ducks. Many ducks are also able to hybridize with other species, which can dilute the genetics of native ducks if introduced populations are not controlled.

Duck Physiology

Ducks have several physical characteristics that label them as distinctly ducks.

• Feet: Ducks have wide, strongly webbed feet that help them be strong, efficient swimmers and in many cases, agile divers. The feet often have durable claws that give the birds the ability to grip different surfaces on land as well, even if their body structure does not support agile walking.
  
  

• Bill: A duck's bill is typically broad and somewhat flattened to function as a more efficient food scoop. Most types of ducks also have a hard nail at the end of the bill to help them root for food, and slight serrations or a comb-like structure on the sides of the bill can help them strain water for insects and other food.
  
  
• Body Shape: Ducks have a compact body that is efficient for streamlined swimming and preserving body heat when immersed in water. Their legs are typically set far back on their body, which makes them ungainly on land but gives them more power when swimming.
  
  
• Plumage Structure: A duck's plumage is so well constructed and thoroughly insulated – by design as well as from regular preening – that even when diving the under layer of down feathers does not get wet. This provides superb temperature control for the bird and prevents it from getting chilled even in icy water.
  
  
• Plumage Color: While dimorphic plumages are common for many types of birds, ducks take this to a new art with outrageous, even garish patterns on males with gaudy colors and vibrant patterns. Females are much more subdued with neutral colors and mottled patterns for better camouflage.

Duck Behavior

Not only do ducks have different physical adaptations that make them unique, but their behaviors are also distinguish them as a unique bird family.

• Feeding: Ducks are often classified by the way they feed, either as dabbling ducks or diving ducks. Dabblers "tip up" on the surface of shallow water to forage for food as far down as they can reach, while divers submerge completely and swim underwater in search of food.
  
  
• Flight: Unlike many types of waterfowl that require a long takeoff runway, most ducks can take off nearly vertically from either land or water. Their flight is a series of stiff, rapid wingbeats and they rarely glide except when coming to land.
  
  
• Vocalization: Contrary to popular belief, very few ducks have "quack" calls, and their range of vocalizations includes whistles and growls. Whereas in most types of birds the males are more vocal, with ducks it is the female who makes the most noise, though males are equally vocal during the breeding season.
  
  
• Breeding: Ducks can hybridize widely and may interbreed with several other duck species. This creates a range of indistinct plumages with unexpected color patterns and odd markings that are not always identifiable. This is further exacerbated by breeding with escaped domestic ducks.

Ducks are unique and delightful birds, though they can be easily overlooked by both novice and experienced birders. By understanding what makes a duck a duck, birders can better enjoy these distinguished waterfowl.

Photo – Mandarin Duck © Ernst Vikne