Ducks In Idaho (29 Types)

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Ducks are one of the most popular gamebirds in Idaho. There are many different types of ducks, and each has its own habits and challenges when hunting them. 

We explore 31 different types of ducks that can be found in Idaho. We’ll also provide some tips on how to identify these waterfowl birds and the locations where you can spot and hunt them. 

Whether you’re a seasoned waterfowler or just starting out, we hope you find this information useful!

What Ducks Are in Idaho?

There are 29 different breeds of ducks in the state of Idaho.

Idaho, with its diverse ecosystems and picturesque landscapes, is an ideal destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts seeking to observe a variety of duck species. The state’s abundant wetlands provide the perfect habitat for these fascinating waterfowl, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery.

To further expand your duck-watching experiences, consider visiting neighbouring states where you can encounter even more captivating birdlife. To the west, you can immerse yourself in the thriving duck habitats of Oregon, taking in the state’s unique landscapes and diverse bird species.

To the east, you’ll find the mesmerising wetlands of Wyoming, which are home to the alluring ducks of Wyoming, offering a fresh perspective on these magnificent creatures. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the vibrant duck populations of Montana to the northeast, where you can truly appreciate the beauty and variety of ducks in the region.

American Black Duck

American Black Duck

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The American black duck belongs to the Anatidae family of big dabbling ducks. American Black Ducks are easily identified by their black plumage and white markings on the face and wingtips.

The males also have an orange bill with a black tip while females have dark gray bills with white spots on top. Both sexes have dark gray legs and feet which help them blend in with their surroundings.

They are omnivores, but mainly eat aquatic plants such as algae and duckweed. They also eat insects, small fish, snails, and seeds from land plants like clover or grasses which grow near bodies of water where they live.

The habitat for the American Black Duck is ponds and lakes in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. They are migratory birds and breed in northern regions like Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States. They have been known to nest on islands or in tree cavities when they cannot find a suitable wetland habitat.

The current population of the American Black Duck is estimated to be around 1 million birds.

Scientific Name: Anas rubripes

Height: 54–59 cm (21–23 in)

Wingspan: 88–95 cm (35–37 in)

Weight: 720–1,640 g (1.59–3.62 lb)

American Wigeon

American Wigeon

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The American Wigeon, also known as the baldpate, is a medium-sized duck that is native to North America, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa.

American Wigeon is known for its bright plumage and blue-gray bills. Males have a blue head and neck with a white breast and belly; females have a brown head with a white eye stripe and yellowish markings on the breast and belly as well as brown bodies. They also have short legs with two toes on each foot which enable them to walk easily on land or water.

Their diet consists of aquatic vegetation and seeds. They mainly eat aquatic plants, but also take some small invertebrates such as insects or snails from the water’s edge.

This species prefers areas with dense vegetation because they provide an excellent source of food for these birds during the breeding season (i.e., they can feed on aquatic plants). They are usually found in freshwater marshes, ponds, lakes, and river deltas.

They are not migratory and typically remain at the same location year-round. The current population of this bird is estimated at around 2 million individuals worldwide.

Scientific Name: Mareca americana

Height: 42–59 cm (17–23 in)

Wingspan: 76–91 cm (30–36 in)

Weight: 512–1,330 g (1.129–2.932 lb)

Barrow's Goldeneye Duck

Barrow’s Goldeneye Duck

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The Barrow’s Goldeneye Duck is a medium-sized diving duck with a black head and neck, a white breast, a brownish-gray back and sides, grey wings, and a white belly. It has a long, black, narrow bill that is slightly upturned at the tip.

The Barrow’s Goldeneye Duck has a diet of aquatic insects, mollusks, crustaceans such as shrimp or crayfish, and small fish.

These ducks live in both saltwater and freshwater habitats, where they breed during the springtime. They are migratory birds, traveling south during the winter months to spend time in warmer climates.

The Barrow’s Goldeneye Duck is found in the northern hemisphere from Alaska to Greenland, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. In North America it breeds in Canada and Alaska; in winter it can be found south of California and New York.

Scientific Name: Bucephala islandica

Length:

Male: 19.2 in (49 cm)

Female: 17 in (43 cm)

Wingspan: 27.6-28.7 in (70-73 cm)

Weight:

Male: 2.13 lb (970 g)

Female: 1.31 lb (590 g)

Black Scoter

Black Scoter

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The black scoter, or American scoter, is a large sea duck, that breeds in the far north and winters in fresh water. These birds can be found in North America, Europe, Asia, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Russia.

It is dark brown with a white belly, black breast and neck, and white feathers on its flanks. The male is larger than the female, though both sexes are similar in size. The eye is yellowish-orange with a dark ring around it. The legs are yellow.

They breed in small ponds with deep water, since they prefer to nest in freshwater lakes and rivers rather than saltwater lakes. Their diet consists mainly of fish and crustaceans, aquatic plants including algae, tubers, and seeds, as well as some insects when available.

It is a migratory bird that spends most of its time at sea, but it travels to land on migration routes during spring and fall.

The current population of this species is estimated at 1 million individuals worldwide; however, there are concerns about its future because many of its populations are declining due to habitat loss caused by climate change and pollution.

Scientific Name: Melanitta americana

Length: 430–550 mm (17–21.5 in)

Wingspan: 710 mm (28 in)

Weight: 950 g (2.09 lb)

Blue-winged Teal

Blue-winged Teal

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The Blue-winged Teal is a small duck that lives in North America. It has a glossy blue-gray head and back, with a white breast and sides. Its wings are dark brown with two white stripes, and its tail is also dark brown with white edges. The male has black wings.

The Blue-winged Teal’s diet consists mostly of aquatic plants like pondweed, but it will also eat insects when they are available. This duck often feeds by pecking at the surface of the water rather than diving for food. It will sometimes form small groups to feed together or fly in single file formation when migrating south for winter.

Blue-winged teals are found in marshes, ponds, lakes, and rivers throughout the United States south of Canada, and north of Mexico.

They are migratory birds and fly south for the winter months to warmer climates. It winters along the Atlantic coast from southern New England to Virginia and then moves further south as far as Mexico.

Scientific Name: Spatula discors

Height: 40 cm (16 in)

Wingspan: 58 cm (23 in)

Weight: 370 g (13 oz)

Bufflehead

Bufflehead

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The Bufflehead is one of the most striking ducks in North America. It is a small duck with a pale head, a black breast, and a white belly. It has a black head and neck, with a white patch on the head, and a distinctive white crescent on each side of its tail. Males have white chests and flanks.

The Bufflehead is a strong flier, but rarely flies more than several hundred yards at a time. It lives on the coast of North America, spending most of its time in salt water. Female buffleheads may also lay eggs in nest boxes.

Buffleheads are sea ducks can eat many different types of foods including clams, crayfish (also known as crawfish), insects such as beetles and flies as well as other small animals such as mice or voles (small rodents). These small birds also feed on insects and crustaceans found along the bottom of streams or lakes, as well as small fish such as minnows or suckers.

Buffleheads are small ducks that spend most of their time in freshwater habitats such as lakes, ponds, rivers, estuaries, and bays. They are able to survive in such diverse environments because they are excellent swimmers and divers.

Scientific Name: Bucephala albeola

Length: 32–40 cm (13–16 in)

Wingspan: 21.6 in (55 cm)

Weight: 270–550 g (9.5–19.4 oz)

Cinnamon Teal

Cinnamon Teal

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Cinnamon Teal is a small duck with distinctive bright cinnamon-colored feathers on its back and white markings above the eye that is native to North America and Central America. While flying, the male shows a green patch on its wings. Non-breeding males have greyish brown bodies.

The diet of this bird includes seeds, insects, and other invertebrates that are found near water sources where they live. Like most ducks, it feeds on aquatic vegetation such as pondweed, watercress, pondweed, and water lilies. This bird has also been known to eat insects and small crustaceans.

They are found in the northern hemisphere and are particularly common in North America, where they breed from Alaska to Canada. They winter south of the U.S., as well as in parts of Mexico and Central America.

The Cinnamon Teal is a very social bird, often living in large flocks during the mating season and congregating around lakes and rivers during migration. They tend to be shy and elusive, so it can be difficult to see them in their natural habitat.

These birds mate for life and build nests on the ground near water sources—usually shallow ponds or marshes with tall grasses nearby for cover when young are being reared.

Scientific Name: Spatula cyanoptera

Height: 21.3-22.4 in (54-57 cm)

Wingspan: 22-inch (560 mm)

Weight: 11.8-14.1 oz (335-401 g)

Common Goldeneye Duck

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The Common Goldeneye Duck is a medium-sized diving duck that breeds across the northern hemisphere in North America, Asia, and Europe. It winters in the southern hemisphere.

The male is unmistakable with his black head, white neck and breast, dark grey body and white belly. Females are easily confused with other females in the same genus but are smaller than most and have a distinctive blue eye ring. They have grayish bodies with a white neck collar as well as a short dark bill with a yellow tip at the end.

During the winter months, they travel south to warmer climates where they can find open water for feeding on fish and crustaceans. The common goldeneye is not considered endangered or threatened by the IUCN red list of endangered species but it does have special status in several countries due to its popularity as a game bird.

This bird is known for diving for food under water, which makes it difficult for predators such as bears to catch them. They eat aquatic insects, crustaceans like crayfish or shrimp, fish (including salmon), amphibians like frogs or salamanders and other small animals.

Scientific Name: Bucephala clangula

Height: 18-20 inches

Wingspan: 30.3-32.7 inches

Weight: 1.8-2.2 lbs

Common Merganser

Common Merganser

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The common merganser, sometimes known as the goosander, is a huge sea duck found in wooded parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. They have a long bill that is pointed at the end and has a black tip on it. Their plumage is mostly dark with a white underside. They have very large feet and webbed toes to help them swim. Their legs are long and slender as well.

Common mergansers are omnivores, eating both plants and animals such as small fish or insects. They eat their prey by diving underwater and spearing it with their long bill before swallowing it whole.

The habitat of this bird is lakes, rivers, ponds, and marshes. They prefer quieter bodies of water with plenty of vegetation along the shores where they can rest during the day before moving on to hunt at night.

The current population of this bird is considered stable due to its ability to thrive even when there are threats present due to its adaptability as well as its wide range across North America.

Scientific Name: Mergus merganser

Length: 58–72 cm (23–28+1⁄2 in)

Wingspan: 78–97 cm (30+1⁄2–38 in)

Weight: 0.9–2.1 kg (2 lb 0 oz – 4 lb 10 oz)

Eurasian Wigeon

Eurasian Wigeon

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The Eurasian Wigeon, or European Wigeon, is a medium-sized duck with a long, pointed bill and a distinctive white crescent on the side of its face. The male Eurasian Wigeon has a light brown body with a dark green head and white cheek stripes on either side of its face. The female Eurasian Wigeon has a lighter brown body with a black head and white cheek stripes on either side of its face.

The diet of Eurasian Wigeon consists of vegetation such as roots, bulbs, tubers, and rhizomes from aquatic plants such as sedges, bulrushes, and other grasses as well as insects such as dragonflies or water boatmen. In wintertime, they feed on aquatic plants like duckweed or reeds in shallow water.

They are found in central and eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, China, Korea, Japan, north-east Siberia and Alaska. They migrate between the breeding grounds in central Asia and southern Europe. They prefer nesting near lakes or ponds but they can also be found nesting on small streams.

The current population of Eurasian Wigeons is estimated at around 1 million birds worldwide with populations declining in many areas due to habitat loss.

Scientific Name: Mareca penelope

Height: 42–52 cm (17–20 in)

Wingspan: 71–80 cm (28–31 in)

Weight: 500–1,073 g (1.102–2.366 lb)

Gadwall

Gadwall

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Gadwall is a duck that’s known for the white patch on its cheek. It is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It has a black head and breast, white cheeks, and a buff-colored body. The male has a dark bill and an intricate pattern of black, gray and brown feathers.

The Gadwall’s color varies depending on its location—in North America, they are a dull brownish-gray, while in Europe their feathers are more of a chestnut brown. Their bills are black with a white tip, and their legs are yellowish-green above black webbed feet. Additionally, both male and female Gadwalls have a white patch on their wings.

The only thing that sets them apart from other ducks is their eyes: they have dark brown eyes with a distinctive red circle around them.

Gadwalls are diving ducks and they are slightly smaller than mallards, with males weighing between 2 and 3 pounds and females weighing between 1.5 and 2 pounds.

Gadwalls eat insects, worms, crustaceans like crayfish, frogs, and tadpoles as well as small fish when available.

The Gadwall’s habitat is near water; it can be found in marshes, rice paddies, ponds, and lakes.

Gadwalls breed in northern North America and in Europe as far east as Siberia. They also breed in Asia where they are found in Japan, Korea, and China as well as Mongolia and Siberia.

They are migratory birds that fly south in the winter to warmer climates. They migrate south to winter in the southern USA, Mexico, and Central America as well as southern Europe (Spain), Central Africa (Ethiopia), and India. They are usually found in pairs or small flocks during migration and breeding season but tend to be solitary during winter months when they migrate southward.

This species of duck has experienced an increase in population over the last 100 years due to conservation efforts by governments and organizations such as Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

Scientific Name: Mareca strepera

Height: 46–56 cm (18–22 in)

Wingspan: 78–90 cm (31–35 in)

Weight

Male: 990 g (35 oz)

Female: 850 g (30 oz

Garganey

Garganey

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Garganey is a small duck with a slender body, long neck, and short bill. It has a black head, neck, and upperparts. The breast is white with dark spots in the center of each feather. The flanks are brownish-gray and the belly is white. The legs and feet are orange-yellow.

The Garganey feeds on insects, mollusks, fish, frogs, and worms. It nests near water, where it can be seen diving for food with its bill pointed downward.

The garganey’s habitat includes shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes with reeds or other tall vegetation near them. They live in flocks during the breeding season but tend to be solitary during migration and winter months.

It breeds over most of Europe and the Palearctic, as well as northern Asia and North America but it is purely migratory, with the whole population migrating to Southern Africa, India, Bangladesh, and Australasia during the Northern Hemisphere winter, when vast flocks may be seen.

The garganey is listed as Least Concern by IUCN due to its large range estimated at 1 million km2 (390 000 mi2).

Scientific Name: Spatula querquedula

Height: 41 cm

Wingspan: 58 – 69 cm

Weight: 300- 440 g

Greater Scaup

Greater Scaup

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The Greater Scaup is a large diving duck with a distinctive white band on its head. The rest of its body is brown with a blue-grey sheen on its back and tail (which can be seen when they fly).

The male is larger than the female, with a more pronounced bill and more white wing feathers. It has a black bill, black feet and legs, and gray plumage. Both males and females have yellow eyes.

They prefer shallow water close to shore where they can feed on aquatic vegetation and small fish. They are omnivorous creatures who feed on mollusks, crustaceans, insects (especially water beetles), worms, and other small invertebrates like larval dragonflies which comprise about 60% of their diet.

This species breeds in the northern taiga regions of Canada and Alaska and winters in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as some inland lakes. It is an uncommon sight in North America but can be found in many areas across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. In winter, it migrates to southern Canada and parts of the northeastern United States.

Scientific Name: Aythya marila

Height: 39–56 cm (15–22 in)

Wingspan: 71–84 cm (28–33 in)

Weight: 726–1,360 g (1.601–2.998 lb)

Harlequin Duck

Harlequin Ducks

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The Harlequin Duck is a beautiful small sea duck that is native to North America. It has a unique appearance. It is relatively small compared to other ducks, with a short dark gray bill.

It also has a black head, neck, and breast, with white cheeks and sides of the neck, and red eyes. The body is black with white spots on the wings and tail feathers.

In addition to being unique-looking birds, Harlequin Ducks are also very vocal animals who make sounds such as whistles and squeaks that can be heard from up to 100 yards away! These sounds are used primarily for communication between other ducks within a flock but can also be used to alert predators of danger if needed (such as when approaching land).

These birds feed on small fish and crustaceans such as shrimp and clams. They can dive up to 20 feet below the surface to catch their prey.

It can be found in coastal areas of North America, Europe, and Asia, where it lives in salt marshes. It lives in freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers. The species is monogamous and breeds in April and May.

Unfortunately, these beautiful creatures are currently under threat from habitat loss due to human development as well as overfishing.

Scientific Name: Histrionicus histrionicus

Length: 15–17 in (380–430 mm)

Wingspan: 26 in (660 mm)

Weight: 600 g (1.3 lb)

Hooded Merganser

Hooded Mergansers

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The hooded merganser, also known as the hooded duck, is a species of duck that lives in North America. It has a black head and a brown back. Breeding males have yellow eyes while females have dark eyes.

The Hooded Merganser is a relatively small duck with a slender body and a long tail. It has a white breast and belly, as well as a black cap and crest, which creates the illusion of the bird wearing a hood.

Hooded Mergansers eat mostly fish—they dive underwater to catch them! They also eat crayfish, crustaceans such as shrimp or krill, frogs, snails, and insects such as dragonflies or grasshoppers when they are unable to find enough food near the surface of water bodies.

The Hooded Merganser lives in North America and spends most of its time in freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers during the spring breeding season. It moves to saltwater marshes during the winter months to avoid freezing temperatures.

The Hooded Merganser is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List because its population is stable or increasing and it has a large range.

Scientific Name: Lophodytes cucullatus

Length: 15.8-19.3 in (40-49 cm)

Wingspan: 23.6-26.0 in (60-66 cm)

Weight: 16.0-31.0 oz (453-879 g)

Lesser Scaup

Lesser Scaup

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The lesser scaup is a tiny diving duck native to North America that winters in Central America. It is a smaller version of the Greater Scaup, and it can be distinguished from that species by its black breast, which contrasts with the white breast of the Greater Scaup. The males also have yellow eyes and head, neck and breast with purple sheen. The females have gray sides.

They are one of the most abundant waterfowl in North America and are found across Canada and the United States. Because of its unusual blue bill, it is also called the small bluebill or broadbill.

The Lesser Scaup’s habitat is typically freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams. They can also be found on large ponds and reservoirs with plenty of floating vegetation.

Lesser Scaups eat mostly fish but also insects and small crustaceans, which they find by diving beneath the surface of the water for up to 40 seconds at a time. They are very territorial birds, so you may see several males fighting over territory during the breeding season.

Lesser scaups breed in ponds and lakes across Canada and much of the northern United States from late April through May. They usually nest in colonies with other species such as mallards or common goldeneyes.

The Lesser Scaup is not considered to be endangered or threatened and is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Scientific Name: Aythya affinis

Height: 41.7–43 cm (16.4–16.9 in)

Wingspan: 68–78 cm (27–31 in)

Weight: 454–1,089 g (1.001–2.401 lb)

Long-tailed Duck

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Long-tailed Ducks are species of duck that are native to Australia and New Zealand. They are named for their long, narrow tail feathers, which can be over 30% longer than the rest of their body. It has a black bill, brown eyes, and grayish-brown feathers on its back and wings. The underside of the bird is white in color.

The Long-tailed Duck eats aquatic plants, seeds, insects, snails, mollusks, crustaceans, fish eggs, and small fish. They can dive up to 60 feet below the surface.

These species of duck prefer to live in areas where there are plenty of lakes and ponds for them to feed on. They are also known for being very territorial so they tend not to share their space with other species unless they have no choice but to or if they’re trying to breed.

They are migratory birds, traveling from Canada to Europe during the summer months before returning south for winter months in North America or Asia.

They can be found in Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of South America. They breed in freshwater lakes from May through July or August depending on where they live. They migrate to southern latitudes during the winter months to avoid freezing temperatures.

Long-tailed Ducks have a current population of roughly 2 million individuals worldwide—that’s down from an estimated 4 million during the 1980s.

Scientific Name: Clangula hyemalis

Length: 440–600 mm (17.5–23.5 in)

Wingspan: 710 mm (28 in)

Weight: 740 g (1.63 lb)

Mallard

Mallard

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The Mallard is a small, wild duck that lives in the United States and Canada. It’s a duck that is native to the Northern Hemisphere. It has a beautiful green head and a brown body, and it’s known for its long, lobed tail feathers.

They have black bills and yellow feet, which makes them easy to identify. Males have purple patches on their wings, while the female mallards are mottled brown. The quack of the female Mallard is also unmistakable.

Their diet consists mostly of seeds, fruit, and insects. Mallards have been known to consume small rodents if they are available. They also eat frogs and fish when they can catch them. They usually feed at night in shallow water or on land near water sources.

Their habitat is primarily in wetlands such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. They also inhabit saltwater environments close to lands such as bays and estuaries.

They are also very social birds that travel in flocks during the breeding season and pair off into monogamous pairs during the winter months when they migrate southward to warmer climates where food sources are more plentiful.

Scientific Name: Anas platyrhynchos

Height: 50–65 cm (20–26 in)

Wingspan: 81–98 cm (32–39 in)

Weight: 0.7–1.6 kg (1.5–3.5 lb)

Northern Pintail

Northern Pintails

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The Northern Pintail is an uncommon duck that can be found in North America and Europe. This duck is a medium-sized, strong-flying waterfowl with a long neck and tail and a pale black-gray bill.

Both sexes have grey legs and feet. A faint white stripe runs from the rear of the drake’s chocolate-colored head down its neck to its mainly white undercarriage, making it more noticeable. Males have gray bodies while females have rufous-brown plumage on their bodies.

The drake’s back and flanks have excellent grey, brown, and black patterning. The hen’s plumage is more muted, with dull brown feathers that resemble those of other female dabbling ducks. The drakes emit a flute-like whistle, while the hens make a harsh quack.

The Northern Pintail is a migratory bird that nests on or near open water with some vegetation nearby. This bird feeds on seeds and aquatic plants such as bulrush roots, pondweeds, and sedges.

They also eat insects such as dragonflies; fish; other small animals such as mice or frogs; and worms, which are their favorite food source for survival (when they’re not eating seeds).

There are approximately 1 million Northern Pintails left in the wild today.

Scientific Name: Anas acuta

Height:

Male: 59–76 cm (23–30 in)

Female: 51–64 cm (20–25 in)

Wingspan: 80–95 cm (31–37 in)

Weight:

Male: 450–1,360 g (0.99–3.00 lb)

Female: 454–1,135 g (1.001–2.502 lb)

Northern Shoveler

Northern Shoveler

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The northern shoveler, often known as the shoveler in the United Kingdom, is a common and ubiquitous duck. With its brown head and neck and breast, greenish-yellow bill and wings, white breast and belly, and the dark greenback, and black tail feathers, it’s hard to mistake for any other duck species.

This duck lives in freshwater ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers, and streams but will also sometimes inhabit brackish water areas where the water has a high salt content. It breeds in North America from Canada to Mexico, migrating south for the winter months.

The Northern Shoveler’s diet consists primarily of aquatic plants like duckweed and water lettuce. It also eats insects, worms, crustaceans, and mollusks if they can find them in the water.

Wintering in southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Central, the Caribbean, and northern South America, it breeds in northern Europe, through the Palearctic, and across much of North America.

Scientific Name: Spatula clypeata

Height: 16 in (41 cm)

Wingspan: 22-inch (560 mm)

Weight: 14 oz (400 g)

Red-breasted Merganser

Red-breasted Merganser

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The Red-breasted Merganser has an appearance that makes it easy to identify. The feathers on their chest are red in coloration, and they have a white throat area. They are known for their bright red chests and gray flanks, which is what gives them their name.

This bird has a long body with a white underside and black head, neck, back, and tail. Its wings are brownish-grey and its bill is yellow with an orange tip.

They feed on fish by diving into the water using their wings to propel themselves forward like penguins do when swimming underwater. They also eat amphibians such as frogs or newts if they can catch them.

The habitat of this bird includes lakes, rivers, and ponds where they can dive into the water to catch fish while swimming underwater or dive from above the water to catch fish resting on the bottom of lakes or ponds. Additionally, red-breasted mergansers breed in northern boreal forests.

This bird is not endangered or threatened at this time because it has a very large population of over 8 million birds worldwide.

Scientific Name: Mergus serrator

Length: 51–62 cm (20–24 in)

Wingspan: 70–86 cm (28–34 in)

Weight: 28.2 to 47.6 oz (800 to 1,350 g)

Ruddy Duck

Ruddy Duck

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Ruddy Duck is a medium-sized diving duck that’s native to North America. They’re known for their ruddy, or reddish-brown coloration, which is most prominent during the breeding season. It has a white breast and white stripe on its face.

Breeding males have a unique appearance. They have bright blue bills and thick necks.

Ruddy Ducks are omnivorous, eating plants and aquatic insects as well as fish and small animals. It eats insects, grains, seeds, and aquatic plants. They are monogamous animals; they mate for life and have one clutch per year of 4-6 eggs that hatch after 25 days.

Ruddy Ducks frequently move in small groups of 5–15 birds at night. They’re also very sociable animals.

Ruddy Ducks live in freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, and swamps. They are migratory birds that spend the winter in South America.

Ruddy Ducks are typically found in freshwater lakes and marshes during the breeding season (April through August), but they can also be seen on rivers or coasts during migration or wintering months (October through February).

Scientific Name: Oxyura jamaicensis

Length: 13.8-16.9 in (35-43 cm)

Wingspan: 22.1-24.4 in (56-62 cm)

Weight: 10.6-30.0 oz (300-850 g)

Surf Scoter

Surf Scoter

Listen to Surf Scoter

credit https://xeno-canto.org/76454

The Surf Scoter is a medium-sized sea duck black head, a colorful bill and white patches on the nape and forehead. They are “molt migrants,” meaning they migrate to an area where they may molt their flying feathers after nesting.

The Surf Scoter is an excellent swimmer, with webbed feet that allow it to dive after fish. They are able to dive deep into the ocean to find food, but they can only stay underwater for about 1 minute before having to come up for air.

The Surf Scoter’s diet consists of fish such as sand eels, anchovies, capelin, smelt, and herring. At times they can also feed on crustaceans such as krill or shrimp. It uses its bill to filter out small organisms from the water as it swims along the surface of the ocean.

The Surf Scoter breeds on Arctic coasts from Greenland to Alaska, but most populations migrate south to winter off California and Mexico. They can also be found along the coastlines of South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Scientific Name: Melanitta perspicillata

Length:

Male: 48 cm (19 in)

Female: 44 cm (17 in)

Wingspan: 29.9-30.3 in (76-77 cm)

Weight:

Male: 1,050 g (2.31 lb)

Female: 900 g (2.0 lb)

White-winged Scoter

White-winged Scoter

Listen to White-winged Scoter

credit https://xeno-canto.org/181618

The White-winged Scoter is classified as an “oceanic” bird because it spends most of its time in marine waters. They have white feathers on their wings and are named after the white patch on their back. It is a medium-sized duck that has a black head, neck, and upper body, with a white breast and belly. The rest of its plumage is dark brown.

They feed primarily on mollusks, crustaceans, and fish, which they find by sweeping their bills side to side through the water in search of prey. When this happens, you’ll hear them make a loud clacking noise with their bills—which is how they got their name “scoter”.

It prefers to make its home near the coastlines of North America, Europe, and Asia. They can be found in large groups of other waterfowl but prefer to keep themselves separate from them.

They are migratory birds that make seasonal journeys between northern Canada and Mexico each spring/summer season before returning south for the winter months (December through April).

Scientific Name: Melanitta deglandi

Length: 18.9-22.8 in (48-58 cm)

Wingspan: 31.5 in (80 cm).

Weight: 33.5-63.5 oz (950-1800 g)

Wood Duck

Wood Ducks

Listen to Wood Ducks

credit https://xeno-canto.org/451137

The Wood Duck is a medium-sized duck that has a long body, a short neck, and a large head. It has black plumage with white patches on its wings and tail, as well as its bill. It also has a bright red patch of skin at the base of its bill.

The male wood duck is truly a sight to behold. His colorful plumage is a fierce display of his strength and virility. The female has a blue patch on the wing.

The Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) is a member of the Anatidae family and is native to North America. It ranges from southern Canada all the way down to Panama.

They are omnivores meaning they eat both plants such as cherries and grapes, aquatic plants such as pondweeds and water lilies, and animals but are mainly insectivores feeding on small invertebrates such as insects and worms.

They live in wooded areas near water sources like ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, marshes, and swamps. They live in large flocks during the breeding season and then move to smaller groups during migration or winter.

The population of the wood duck was in serious decline in the late 19th century as a result of severe habitat loss and market hunting both for meat and plumage for the ladies’ hat market in Europe. By the beginning of the 20th century, wood ducks had virtually disappeared from much of their former range.

Scientific Name: Aix sponsa

Height: 47 to 54 cm (19 to 21 in) ( or 1.5 feet max.)

Wingspan: 66 to 73 cm (26 to 29 in)

Weight: 454-862 g (16.0-30.4 oz)

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria)

Canvasback

Canvasbacks are large diving ducks that have a dark head and neck and a pale gray body and are found all over the Northern Hemisphere.

  • Scientific Name: Aythya valisineria

  • Height: 48–56 cm (19–22 in)

  • Wingspan: 79–89 cm (31–35 in)

  • Weight: 862–1,600 g (1.900–3.527 lb)

Canvasback Description

The Canvasback makes a royal appearance. The male’s white back and flanks reminded English settlers of canvas fabric, hence the name. With a red-brown head and flashing crimson eyes, the drake (male) is a striking appearance.

It is a medium-sized duck that is easily recognizable by its distinct head pattern. Its bill is mostly orange with a black tip, and it has a dark brown head and neck. Its body is primarily white with black speckles on the wings, back, and sides.

Canvasback Sound

Canvasback Habitat & Range

The habitat of the canvasback includes lakes and ponds in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Canvasbacks breed in North America’s Prairie Pothole Region. They like to build their nests above water in permanent Prairie wetlands with emergent plants such as cattails and bulrushes for protection.

Canvasback

Canvasback Diet

The canvasback is a versatile feeder that can consume plants ranging in size from tiny strands to large leafy growths. It has been seen feeding upon countless species of aquatic vegetation, including pond weeds and wild celery as well! The bird also takes interest in snails or other mollusks for food sources not related directly with waterfowl production- think gastropods (slugs & snail shells) insects , small fish – which it may catch while hunting its own kind underwater among foliage near shallow coastal waters where these animals breed.

Canvasback Nesting

They nest in tree cavities and will lay anywhere from 8-15 eggs. The female incubates the eggs for 28-30 days while the male sits on them to keep them warm. When they hatch they are able to swim immediately!

Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)

This duck breeds across northern North America. They are also known as “green wings” or “bluebills”. For a long time, it was believed conspecific with the Eurasian teal, but it has subsequently been classified as a separate species.

  • Scientific Name: Anas crecca

  • Height: 12.2-15.3 in (31-39 cm)

  • Wingspan: 20.5-23.2 in (52-59 cm)

  • Weight: 4.9-17.6 oz (140-500 g)

Description

It has an olive-brown back, a white breast, and a brown head with a white stripe above the eye. The male has a green speculum (the outer web of feathers on the wings) that extends from his shoulders to his tail. The female’s speculum is more subdued than that of the male; it appears as a pale buff color, not greenish like the male’s.

Sound

credit https://xeno-canto.org/538745

Habitat & Range

This duck has been introduced into many parts of Europe and Asia where it has become an invasive species due to its ability to adapt to new environments quickly. As a result, it is now considered one of the world’s most invasive birds according to BirdLife International’s Global Invasive Species Database (GISD).

Green-winged Teal

Green-winged Teal Diet

In the winter months, Green-winged teals eat seeds, grains, and insects but during the summer months they switch over to eating aquatic plants like pondweeds, watercress, and duckweed which make up about 70% of their diet.

Green-winged Teal Nesting

The Green-winged teal nests on the ground near water sources such as streams or ponds. The female lays between 7-15 eggs per clutch (which means cluster) which incubate for 25 days before hatching out into little Green-winged teals!

Redhead (Aythya americana)

Redhead

The redhead duck is one of the most striking birds in North America. They are easily recognizable by their bright orange-red heads and black chest, which contrast sharply with their pale grey bodies. Redheads are also known for their distinctive call, which sounds like a high-pitched whistle.

  • Scientific Name: Aythya americana

  • Length: 37 cm (15 in)

  • Wingspan: 84 cm (33 in)

  • Weight: 2.0 to 2.5 lbs

Redhead Description

Redhead Ducks are a common sight at the pond. They have a red head and white body, with some gray feathers on their wings. They are about the size of a mallard duck, but have shorter legs and a longer bill.

Redhead Sound

Redhead Habitat & Range

Redheads can be found throughout North America, with the exception of southern Mexico and parts of the southeastern United States. They are most common in coastal areas and large rivers. In fact, many people mistake them for musk ducks when they see them in freshwater habitats. Redheads tend to prefer shallow waters with plenty of vegetation near shorelines or riverbanks instead of deeper water where musk ducks tend to prefer staying put.

Redhead Range Map credit: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/

Redhead Diet

The redhead diet mainly consists of plant matter such as seeds, berries, shoots and buds from aquatic plants such as pondweed or cattails as well as insects such as dragonflies or small fish like minnows or smelt.

Redhead Nesting

The Redhead Duck lives on a diet of seeds and aquatic plants as well as insects and small fish. The female Redhead Duck lays between 8-12 eggs per clutch, which she then incubates for 28 days before they hatch. The male Redhead Duck will stay nearby while she is incubating her eggs and will care for them once they hatch by leading them to water where they can find food to eat.

Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)

Ring-necked ducks have a bright orange bill with a black tip and an olive-green head with a black mask across its eyes and down its beak. Its neck is white and speckled with gray, brown, or black patches. The rest of its body is grayish-brown to dark brown.

  • Scientific Name: Aythya collaris

  • Height: 15.3-18.1 in (39-46 cm)

  • Wingspan: 24.4-24.8 in (62-63 cm)

  • Weight: 17.3-32.1 oz (490-910 g)

Description

They are omnivorous so they also eat seeds and grains when they’re available too. They eat grasses, insects such as beetles and dragonflies when they’re available, seeds, and other types of plants like duckweed, water lilies, pondweeds, and grasses that grow along water edges or in open water areas.

Sound

credit https://xeno-canto.org/510883

Ring-necked Duck Habitat & Range

It can be found throughout North America, Central America, and northern South America. It breeds in freshwater marshes, ponds, lakes, and streams. They’re also known to breed in saltwater marshes.

They use their bills to eat these things from the bottom of the lake or pond. They also swim underwater when they eat food. It prefers freshwater marshes, lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, and estuaries near forest edges where trees provide nesting sites for the ducklings.

Ring-necked Duck Range Map credit: https://perceviaassets.azurewebsites.net/

Ring-necked Duck Diet

They feed on aquatic plants like pondweed as well as insects and other invertebrates. They will also eat small crustaceans such as crabs or shrimp if they can find them in their habitat.

Ring-necked Duck Nesting

During breeding season (which is usually in April or May), males will form flocks on the water while females lay eggs in nests made from grasses near shorelines or floating on debris near shorelines where there are no predators present to threaten their young hatchlings.

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

Tufted Duck

The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck found in lakes and marshes throughout most of Europe.

  • Scientific Name: Aythya fuligula

  • Height: Male: 40.6-45.7 cm Female: 40.6-45.7 cm

  • Wingspan: Male: 20.2-21.2 cm Female: 19.4-20.7 cm

  • Weight: Male: 889.6 g Female: 768.3 g

Tufted Duck Description

Tufted Duck have a distinctive crest of feathers on the top of their heads that gives them their name, along with a long, slender bill and short legs. It is usually light brown with darker wings and a white underbelly.

Tufted Duck Sound

Tufted Duck Habitat & Range

Tufted Ducks are found throughout much of Europe as well as Asia, Central Africa and parts of Australia. They breed in shallow marshes or ponds where they construct nests out of grasses and rushes.

The population of this bird has been steadily declining due to habitat loss due to human development

Tufted Duck Range Map credit: https://assets.whatbird.com/

Tufted Duck Diet

Tufted Ducks are omnivorous feeders, eating insects such as dragonflies, beetles, and flies as well as seeds from plants such as tall grasses. It also feeds on frogs, worms, and other small creatures that live in the mud at the bottom of ponds and lakes.

Tufted Duck Nesting

Tufted Ducks make their nests in tree cavities above ground level or near water sources where they can be easily accessed by their young once they hatch out of their eggs (which are laid in May). These birds are monogamous pairs who keep each other company throughout their lives together; however this does not mean that they mate for life: if one dies then the other will find another mate to replace him/her!

Where to Watch Ducks in Idaho?

If you’re a birder or just love nature in general, Idaho has many good bird-watching locations.

Camas National Wildlife Refuge

Duck lovers will enjoy the Camas National Wildlife Refuge in Idaho. The refuge, located in southern Idaho, is home to mallards, wood ducks, redheads, and sea ducks among ten or more species of ducks. 

A variety of waterfowl, including geese and swans, also inhabit the refuge. 

In spring and fall, the refuge can host as many as 50,000 waterfowl, making it an excellent birdwatching spot. 

Hagerman Wildlife Management Area

The Hagerman Wildlife Management Area is situated alongside the Snake River in south-central Idaho. It is home to large flocks of wintering ducks, as well as nesting waterbirds. 

In addition to being able to see a variety of different duck species, the Hagerman Wildlife Management Area also offers stunning views of the surrounding Idaho countryside.

Market Lake Wildlife Management Area

Market Lake Wildlife Management Area is a 5,000-acre tract of land. It is home to more than a dozen different species of ducks, including popular varieties like mallards and wood ducks.

In addition to being a great place to view ducks in their natural habitat, Market Lake is also a popular destination for birders and nature enthusiasts.

Are There Any Resident Ducks in Idaho?

The Mallard duck is one of the many wildlife species found in Idaho. Mallards are wild ducks found throughout North America. The green heads and yellow bills of these waterfowl birds make them easy to identify. 

Most Mallards migrate south to escape winter. However, a small number of Mallards have chosen to make Idaho their year-round home.

Mallards may choose to stay in Idaho all year long for several reasons. The availability of food is one reason. Mallards enjoy eating fish, insects, and other aquatic creatures from Idaho’s lakes and rivers. 

Additionally, Idaho’s mild climate means Mallards don’t have to deal with harsh winters like they would in other parts of the country. 

Idaho also has a large number of protected wetlands, which provide safe places for Mallards to nest and raise their young.

Aside from Mallards, Lesser Scaups live also live in Idaho all year long.

Duck Hunting in Idaho

Ducks are a popular game bird in North America. Thousands of hunters pursue these feathered quarries every year.

Duck hunting is a time-honored tradition in many states, and various regulations ensure sustainable harvesting. So, can you hunt ducks in Idaho?

The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to know before heading out into the field.

All hunters must have:

  • Valid Hunting License

  • Migratory Bird (HIP) Permit

  • Federal Migratory Bird (Duck) Stamp

In addition, there are limits on the number and type of ducks that can be harvested each day. For example, the possession limit is three times the daily bag.

Ducks (including Mergansers)

  • Area 1 – Oct 19 to Jan 31

  • Area 2 – Oct 1 to Jan 23

Scaup

  • Area 1 – Nov 7 to Jan 31

  • Area 2 – Oct 1 to Dec 25

Important:

The daily bag limit for ducks which include mergansers is 7 of any kind but not more than the following:

  • 2 Female Mallards

  • 2 Redheads

  • 1 Northern Pintail

  • 2 Canvasbacks

  • 2 Scaups

Can You Shoot a Ducks in Idaho?

Using the right kind of shot is crucial when waterfowl hunting in Idaho. The last thing you want is to end up harming the ducks or geese you are hunting!

Waterfowl hunters in Idaho must use a nontoxic shot. Nontoxic shots are available in many different types, so you should be able to find something to fit your needs.

Consider what kind of hunting you will be doing when selecting a shot. The right shot can make your Idaho hunting trip successful and safe.

Final Thoughts on the Different Duck Breeds in Idaho

Idaho has a diverse landscape and is one of the most beautiful states in the country. Throughout the Gem State, ducks and other wildlife can find a variety of habitats, from snow-capped mountains to desert plains to shallow ponds.

Over 29 duck species live in the state, making it a birdwatchers’ and hunters’ paradise.

The state is known for its abundance of waterfowl and large populations of elks, deer, and other large animals.

The vast expanses of open space and abundant natural resources of Idaho make it an ideal duck hunting and bird watching destination.

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