In the heartland of America, Illinois is a treasure trove of water bird diversity. With the Great Lakes to its north and the mighty Mississippi River along its border, coupled with a variety of inland water bodies, the state offers a plethora of habitats for these fascinating creatures.
Illinois water birds
Water Bird Species | Frequency in Illinois | Where to Find in in Illinois |
---|---|---|
American White Pelican | Common | Mississippi River, especially near Alton |
Double-Crested Cormorant | Common | Along the Illinois River |
Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Wetlands and rivers statewide |
Great Egret | Common | Wetlands and marshy areas |
Snowy Egret | Common | Wetlands and marshy areas |
Green Heron | Common | Wetlands, streams, and ponds |
Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Common | Urban parks and wetlands |
Mallard | Very Common | Ponds, rivers, and lakes statewide |
Wood Duck | Common | Wooded wetlands and rivers |
Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Wetlands and marshy areas |
Northern Pintail | Common | Wetlands and marshy areas |
Canvasback | Uncommon | Large rivers and lakes |
Redhead | Uncommon | Large rivers and lakes |
Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Forested wetlands |
Lesser Scaup | Common | Large bodies of water |
Bufflehead | Common | Ponds, lakes, and rivers statewide |
Hooded Merganser | Common | Wooded wetlands and ponds |
Common Merganser | Uncommon | Large rivers and lakes |
Ruddy Duck | Common | Ponds, lakes, and rivers statewide |
American Coot | Very Common | Wetlands, lakes, and rivers statewide |
Sandhill Crane | Common | Wetlands in the northern part of the state |
American Wigeon | Common | Wetlands, ponds, and reservoirs |
American Avocet | Uncommon | Wetlands and mudflats |
Black-necked Stilt | Uncommon | Wetlands and mudflats |
Great Black-backed Gull | Uncommon | Along the shores of Lake Michigan |
Osprey | Uncommon | Near large bodies of water |
Water Bird Species Found in Illinois
American White Pelican
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/American-White-Pelican-attributes.jpg)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/American-White-Pelican-close-up.jpg)
Feature | Measurement |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Pelecanus erythrorhynchos |
Length | 50–70 in |
Wingspan | 95–120 in |
Weight | 3.5 and 13.6 kg |
The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) is one of North America’s largest birds, distinguished by its brilliant white plumage, elongated orange bill, and massive wingspan, which can extend up to 3 meters. This bird has a unique appearance with its distinctive pouch used for feeding and a “horn” on the upper part of the bill during the breeding season. Though a large bird, it is very graceful in flight, often seen soaring in flocks in a V formation.
American White Pelicans inhabit lakes, marshes, and salt bays, and despite their size, they are excellent swimmers. They feed primarily on fish, using a cooperative hunting strategy where they encircle schools of fish in shallow water and then scoop them up in their bill pouches. Unlike their brown pelican relatives, they do not dive for their food. During the breeding season, these pelicans will nest in colonies on islands in freshwater lakes.
Double-crested cormorant
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/doble-crested-cormorant.jpg)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Double-crested-cormorant-close-up.jpg)
Feature | Measurement |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Nannopterum auritum |
Length | 28–35 in |
Wingspan | 45–48 in |
Weight | 1.2–2.5 kg |
The Double-Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a large waterbird known for its long neck, hooked bill, and almost entirely black body. The species gets its name from the two small patches of tufted feathers or “crests” found on the heads of breeding adults, one on each side. These birds are strong swimmers that propel themselves underwater with their webbed feet, their bodies submerged and necks above the water surface, giving them a characteristic snake-like appearance when swimming.
Double-Crested Cormorants are widely distributed across North America and can be found in a variety of aquatic environments including freshwater lakes, coastal areas, and rivers. Their diet primarily consists of fish, which they catch by diving from the water’s surface. Often seen perched with wings outstretched to dry after fishing, these cormorants nest in trees, on the ground, or on cliff edges, usually in colonies. While they have rebounded from decreases in the mid-20th century due to DDT-related reproductive failures, they face ongoing threats from habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, and conflicts with fisheries over their consumption of fish. Protection and careful management of their habitats are key to their ongoing conservation.
Great Blue Heron
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Great-Blue-Heron-attributes.jpg)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Great-Blue-Heron-close-up.jpg)
Feature | Measurement |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Ardea herodias |
Length | 36–54 in |
Wingspan | 66–79 in |
Weight | 1.82–3.6 kgs |
Great Blue Herons are the largest heron species in North America, is distinguished by its tall stature and unique blue-gray plumage.
Measuring up to 4.5 feet tall with a wingspan of approximately 6.5 feet, the bird features a long, pointed bill, a white head with a black eye stripe extending to slender black plumes, and robust, elongated legs. Its distinctive flight pattern, forming a tight “S” shape with its neck, sets it apart from similar large birds, like cranes.
Inhabiting various wetland habitats, including marshes, lakes, rivers, and coastal regions throughout much of North and Central America, the Great Blue Heron is a wading bird. Often seen poised statue-like at the water’s edge, these birds are expert hunters, spearing fish and capturing small animals with their sharp bills.
Great Egret
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Great-Egret-attributes.jpg)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Great-Egret-close-up.jpg)
Feature | Measurement |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Ardea alba |
Length | 31 to 41 in |
Wingspan | 52 to 67 in |
Weight | 1.5 to 3.3 lbs |
The Great Egret (Ardea alba), also known as the Common Egret, is a large, elegant wading bird recognized for its brilliant white plumage, slender black legs, and long, dagger-like yellow bill.
With a height of up to 3.3 feet and a wingspan of 52 to 67 inches, this bird is amongst the largest of the heron species. Its stately appearance and serene comportment have made it a popular symbol in many cultures and an eye-catching sight in its habitats.
Found across all continents except Antarctica, the Great Egret resides in both fresh and saltwater wetlands, including marshes, ponds, and coastal areas. It feeds mainly on fish, but it also hunts amphibians, small mammals, and invertebrates.
Snowy Egret
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Snowy-Egret-attributes-1.jpg)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Snowy-Egret-close-up.jpg)
Feature | Measurement |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Egretta thula |
Length | 22.1–26.0 in |
Wingspan | 39.4 in |
Weight | 370 g |
The Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) is a small and active wading bird, celebrated for its delicate beauty. It sports an entirely white plumage that appears to glow against its black bill and legs, and striking yellow feet, which often play a crucial role in luring prey during feeding.
The Snowy Egret is further adorned with fine, plume-like feathers on its head, neck, and back during the breeding season, making it one of the more distinctive heron species.
Inhabiting wetland areas across the Americas, the Snowy Egret can be found in marshes, swamps, shorelines, and tidal flats where it feeds primarily on fish, but also consumes insects, crustaceans, and small reptiles.
Green Heron
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Green-Heron.jpg)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Green-Heron-2.jpg)
Feature | Measurement |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Butorides virescens |
Length | 16-18 inches |
Wingspan | 25-27 inches |
Weight | 6-7 ounces |
The Green Heron is a small heron found in North America, notable for its deep green back and chestnut body, as well as its unique fishing tactics.
Appearance: Green Herons are dark and compact birds with a glossy, greenish-black cap, a greenish back and wings, and chestnut neck and belly. The bill is long, dark and sharply pointed. Their legs are bright orange or yellow. Young birds are duller in color, with a dark top and streaked brown front.
Diet: The Green Heron’s diet is quite varied, consisting mostly of small fish, but also includes insects, spiders, and sometimes amphibians and small mammals. It’s known for its tool-using behavior where it drops bait onto the water’s surface to attract fish.
Reproduction: Green Herons are solitary birds except during the breeding season, where they form monogamous pairs. Nests are typically built in trees or shrubs near water. Females lay 2 to 5 pale blue-green eggs that both parents incubate.
Black-Crowned Night-Heron
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Black-Crowned-Night-Heron-attributes.jpg)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Black-Crowned-Night-Heron-close-up.jpg)
Feature | Measurement |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Nycticorax nycticorax |
Length | 22.8-26.0 in |
Wingspan | 45.3-46.5 in |
Weight | 727-1014 g |
The Black-Crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a medium-sized heron species known for its distinct nocturnal habits and characteristic appearance. The bird displays a stocky silhouette, with a black crown and back, contrasting starkly with its light grey wings and white underparts.
Its eyes are large and red, adapted for its night-time activities, and its legs are relatively short for a heron. The bill is sturdy and black, and during the breeding season, two to three long white plumes extend from the back of the head.
Residing in a wide variety of wetland habitats, from freshwater marshes to coastal regions, the Black-Crowned Night-Heron is found across a large global range, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The species primarily feeds on fish and invertebrates, but it is known to be opportunistic and will also eat small mammals, birds, and eggs.
Mallard
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Mallard.jpg)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Mallard-2.jpg)
Feature | Measurement |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Anas platyrhynchos |
Length | 20-26 inches |
Wingspan | 32-39 inches |
Weight | 1.6-3.5 pounds |
The Mallard, one of the most recognizable of all ducks, is distinguished by its classic “quack” and its common presence in city parks and wild wetlands.
Appearance: Mallards are large ducks with a hefty body and rounded head. The male is notable for its glossy green head, gray body, and black tail-curl, while the female is mottled brown with an orange-brown bill. Both sexes have a white-bordered, blue “speculum” patch in the wing.
Diet: Mallards are omnivorous, dabbling ducks that eat a wide variety of foods. They are known to feed on aquatic vegetation, insects, worms, and grains. In city parks, they are often seen eating bread, popcorn, and other food provided by humans, although such items are not part of their natural diet.
Reproduction: Mallards nest on the ground on dry land that is close to water, under cover of tall grass or other vegetation. The female typically lays around 8 to 13 eggs and incubates them herself.
Wood Duck
![Wood Duck](http://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/06/Wood-Duck.jpg.webp)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2023/06/male-and-female-wood-duck.jpg.webp)
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Scientific Name: Aix sponsa
Length: 19 to 21 in
Wingspan: 26 to 29 in
Weight: 16.0-30.4 oz
The Wood Duck is an exquisitely colorful waterfowl known for its unique nesting habits and is commonly seen in wooded swamps, marshes, and streams across North America.
Appearance: With their dazzling plumage, Wood Ducks are among the most stunning birds. Males display a multitude of colors, including a green and purple crested head, red eyes, and a white-striped chest, all contrasted with a bronze-colored body. Females, though more subdued with a gray-brown body and white eye-ring, also possess their own charm.
Diet: Wood Ducks have a diverse diet that includes seeds, fruits, and insects, as well as other invertebrates. Their broad diet helps them to adapt to a variety of habitats, whether in the wild or in urban areas with suitable nesting sites.
Reproduction: Unlike most other ducks, Wood Ducks prefer to nest in tree cavities near water, leading to their common name. They will also readily use nest boxes if they’re available. A typical clutch consists of 9 to 14 eggs, which the female incubates alone.
Blue-winged Teal
![Blue-winged Teal](http://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/06/Blue-winged-Teal.jpg.webp)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2023/06/Blue-winged-Teals.jpg.webp)
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Scientific Name: Spatula discors
Length: 16 in
Wingspan: 23 in
Weight: 13 oz
The Blue-winged Teal is a small species of dabbling duck known for its striking plumage and its extensive migratory habits.
Appearance: Male Blue-winged Teals are quite colorful, with a slate gray head and neck, a white crescent in front of the eyes, and a predominantly brown body with specks of black. The name “Blue-winged” comes from the patch of blue feathers visible on their wings during flight. Females, in contrast, are primarily brown and subtly mottled to provide camouflage.
Diet: The Blue-winged Teal feeds mainly on plant matter, such as seeds and aquatic vegetation. However, they also supplement their diet with small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. They are known for their “dabbling” behavior, where they feed at the surface of the water rather than diving.
Reproduction: Blue-winged Teals prefer to nest on the ground in grassy areas near water. The female typically lays a clutch of 9 to 13 eggs, which she incubates alone for about three weeks. After hatching, the ducklings can feed themselves but remain under the mother’s protection until they are capable of flying.
Northern Pintail
![Northern Pintail](http://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/06/Northern-Pintail.jpg.webp)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2023/06/Northern-Pintails.jpg.webp)
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Scientific Name: Anas acuta
Length: 23–30 in
Wingspan: 31–37 in
Weight: 1 –3 lb
The Northern Pintail is a graceful species of duck recognized for their elegance in flight and their sleek bodies and long tails which is pin-shaped.
Male Northern Pintails are celebrated for their distinctive appearance, featuring a chocolate brown head, a white neck, and a grayish body. The most notable characteristic is the long, pointed tail feathers, which give this species its name. Females are more understated in color, sporting a mottled brown plumage.
Diet: Consists primarily of plant matter, including seeds and aquatic vegetation. They are also known to eat insects, especially during the breeding season. The Northern Pintail is often seen dabbling and upending in water bodies to forage for food.
Reproduction: Northern Pintails usually nest on the ground, near water bodies. The female lays a clutch of 7 to 9 eggs and is solely responsible for their incubation, which lasts for about three weeks.
Canvasback
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/09/Canvasback.jpg.webp)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2023/06/Canvasbacks.jpg.webp)
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Scientific Name: Aythya valisineria
Length: 19–22 in
Wingspan: 31–35 in
Weight: 1.900–3.527 lb
The Canvasback is a large diving duck species known for its sloping forehead and long, robust bill. These distinctive birds are primarily found in the wetlands and open water bodies across the United States.
Appearance: Male Canvasbacks are easily recognized by their reddish heads, black chests, and white bodies, which gives the impression of a canvas-like texture, hence their name. Females, on the other hand, have light brown feathers and a slightly paler belly. Both genders have dark gray bills and red eyes.
Diet: Canvasbacks are primarily vegetarian, feeding on aquatic plants like wild celery, pondweeds, and algae. They also occasionally consume small aquatic animals, such as snails, insects, and crustaceans.
Reproduction: Canvasbacks typically nest over water, using marsh plants to construct their nests. The female usually lays a clutch of 5 to 11 eggs which she alone incubates for about a month.
Redhead
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/09/Redhead-.jpg.webp)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2023/06/Redhead-ducks.jpg.webp)
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Scientific Name: Aythya americana
Length: 15 in
Wingspan: 33 in
Weight: 2.0 to 2.5 lbs
The Redhead is a medium-sized diving duck species recognized by its rounded head and broad blue bill. This bird is frequently found in wetlands, ponds, and open water bodies across the United States.
Appearance: The male Redhead is particularly striking, characterized by a coppery red head, black breast, and a gray body. The female is less colorful, featuring a brownish body and a duller, brownish-red head. Both sexes have a prominent blue bill with a black tip.
Diet: Redheads feed on a variety of items, including aquatic plants, seeds, and tubers. They also consume aquatic invertebrates, particularly during the breeding season.
Reproduction: Redheads often nest in marshes and ponds with dense vegetation.Females often lay their eggs in the nests of other ducks, a phenomenon known as brood parasitism. When nesting themselves, the female typically lays a clutch of 7 to 10 eggs and incubates them for about three weeks.
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/09/Ring-necked-Duck.jpg.webp)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2023/06/Ring-necked-Ducks.jpg.webp)
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Scientific Name: Aythya collaris
Length: 15.3-18.1 in
Wingspan: 24.4-24.8 in
Weight: 17.3-32.1 oz
The Ring-Necked Duck is a small to medium-sized diving duck known for its distinctive markings and agile diving abilities.
Appearance: Male Ring-Necked Ducks are characterized by their bold black-and-white coloration, with a glossy black back, a striking white ring around the base of the bill, and two white “rings” on their flanks. Despite their name, the chestnut-colored ring around their neck is often hard to see. Females are more subtly colored with a gray-brown body and a white eye-ring.
Diet: These ducks have a varied diet that includes aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates, which they obtain by diving underwater in both shallow and deep water bodies.
Reproduction: The Ring-Necked Duck nests near water, often in densely vegetated areas. The female typically lays between 8 to 10 eggs, which she incubates alone, but both parents will care for the ducklings once they hatch.
Lesser Scaup
![Lesser Scaup](http://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/06/Lesser-Scaup.jpg.webp)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2023/06/Lesser-Scaups.jpg.webp)
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Scientific Name: Aythya affinis
Length: 16.4–16.9 in
Wingspan: 27–31 in
Weight: 1–2.4 lb
The Lesser Scaup is a small diving duck species commonly found in North America, particularly in the lakes, ponds, and coastal bays of the United States.
Appearance: Male Lesser Scaups are characterized by their glossy black heads and necks, bright yellow eyes, and pale bluish-gray backs. They also feature a distinguished black chest and tail-end. Females, on the other hand, are primarily brown with white bands near the bill and a slightly lighter brown color on their heads and necks.
Diet: Lesser Scaups are divers, and their diet mainly consists of aquatic invertebrates, including insects, mollusks, and crustaceans. They are also known to eat aquatic plants and seeds, particularly during the non-breeding season.
Reproduction: Lesser Scaups nest on the ground, generally close to water bodies. The female lays a clutch of around 9 to 11 eggs and is solely responsible for their incubation, which lasts for about three to four weeks.
Bufflehead
![Bufflehead](http://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/06/Bufflehead.jpg.webp)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2023/06/Buffleheads-2.jpg.webp)
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Scientific Name: Bucephala albeola
Length: 13–16 in
Wingspan: 21.6 in -23.2 in
Weight: 9.5–19.4 oz
The Bufflehead is a small, compact species of diving duck known for its striking appearance and large heads and unique nesting habits.
Appearance: Male Buffleheads are easily recognized by their large, bulbous head with a green-purple iridescent sheen, a large white patch across the back of the head, and a predominantly black and white body. Females are more subtly colored, primarily in gray-brown tones with a smaller white cheek patch.
Diet: As diving ducks, Buffleheads feed by diving beneath the water’s surface. Their diet consists largely of aquatic invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, as well as some plant matter.
Reproduction: Uniquely among ducks, Buffleheads often nest in tree cavities, especially those made by Northern Flickers, a type of woodpecker. The female lays a clutch of about 6 to 11 eggs, which she incubates alone for roughly a month.
Hooded Merganser
![Hooded Merganser](http://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/06/Hooded-Merganser.jpg.webp)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2023/06/Hooded-Mergansers.jpg.webp)
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Scientific Name: Lophodytes cucullatus
Length: 15.8-19.3 in
Wingspan: 23.6-26.0 in
Weight: 16.0-31.0 oz
The Hooded Merganser is a distinctive species of diving duck known for its showy crest and its excellent diving skills.
Appearance: Male Hooded Mergansers are especially striking with a large, fan-shaped, black and white crest, which can be expanded or contracted. They have bright yellow eyes, a dark back, and a white chest. The females have a more understated appearance with a brownish body, a smaller, reddish-brown crest, and dark eyes.
Diet: Consists of small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. Their eyes are specially adapted for underwater vision, allowing them to spot and catch prey while diving.
Reproduction: Similar to Buffleheads, Hooded Mergansers often nest in tree cavities near water bodies. The female lays a clutch of about 10 to 12 eggs and incubates them alone for about a month.
Common Merganser
![Common Merganser](http://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/06/Common-Merganser.jpg.webp)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2023/06/Male-Female-Common-Merganser.jpg.webp)
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Scientific Name: Mergus merganser
Length: 23–28 in
Wingspan: 30 – 38 in
Weight: 2 lb 0 oz – 4 lb 10 oz
The Common Merganser is a large and elegant diving duck, famous for its unique fishing abilities and seen often in the lakes, rivers, and coastal areas across North America.
Appearance: The male Common Merganser is quite striking with its dark green, almost black, crested head, bright red bill, and white body tinged with salmon-pink. The females have a reddish-brown crested head, a white neck, and a grayish body, but share the same red bill as the males.
Diet: True to their diving duck status, Common Mergansers are exceptional hunters, primarily feeding on fish. They’re also known to consume aquatic invertebrates and, on occasion, small mammals and birds. Their serrated bills are specialized to hold slippery fish tightly.
Reproduction: Like the Wood Duck, Common Mergansers also nest in tree cavities or nest boxes close to water bodies, but can also use rock crevices or holes in the ground. A clutch usually contains 9 to 12 eggs, incubated solely by the female.
Ruddy Duck
![Ruddy Duck](http://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/06/Ruddy-Duck.jpg.webp)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2023/06/Ruddy-Ducks-1.jpg.webp)
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Scientific Name: Oxyura jamaicensis
Length: 13.8-16.9 in
Wingspan: 22.1-24.4 in
Weight: 10.6-30.0 o
The Ruddy Duck is a compact diving duck species recognized for its bright blue bill and stiff tail that is often held upright. These small, agile birds are found in wetlands and ponds across the United States.
Appearance: Ruddy Ducks are characterized by their distinct reddish-brown plumage, a blackish cap and nape, and a strikingly blue bill in males. The females are less vibrant, with gray-brown feathers and a dark bill. Both genders display a unique, spiky tail that often sticks upright, especially during courtship displays.
Diet: Ruddy Ducks primarily feed on a diet of aquatic invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. They also consume a variety of aquatic plants and seeds. Their specialized bill allows them to sift through the water and mud to find food.
Reproduction: Ruddy Ducks nest in marshes and ponds with dense vegetation. The female typically lays a clutch of 6 to 10 eggs in a well-concealed nest built from plant material and down.
American Coot
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/06/American-Coot.jpg.webp)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/06/American-Coot-Plover-Range-Map.jpg.webp)
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Scientific Name: Fulica americana
Length: 13–17 in
Wingspan: 23 to 28 in
Weight: 1.270 to 1.870 lb
The American Coot is a ubiquitous water bird commonly seen in the wetlands, lakes, and ponds of North America, recognized for its adaptability and striking features.
Appearance: American Coots are easily identifiable by their slate-gray bodies, offset by a white, chicken-like bill and a red eye. Their legs are also distinctive, equipped with lobed toes, as opposed to the webbed feet seen in ducks, which assist them in navigating both land and water adeptly.
Diet: While aquatic plants form the bulk of an American Coot’s diet, they aren’t strictly herbivores. These versatile birds also consume small invertebrates and fish, demonstrating their ability to adapt and survive in a variety of habitats.
Reproduction: Nesting for the American Coot usually happens in shallow water bodies, where they construct a floating nest hidden among the vegetation. A clutch can contain between 8 to 12 eggs, all of which are incubated by both parents.
Sandhill Crane
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![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/06/Sandhill-Crane-Range-Map.jpg.webp)
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Scientific Name: Antigone canadensis
Length: 2 ft 7-4 ft 6 in
Wingspan: 16.5–23.6 in
Weight: 4 – 4.5 kg
The Sandhill Crane is a tall, elegant bird known for its impressive size and striking appearance. They are found across North America, in habitats ranging from wetlands to grasslands.
Appearance: Sandhill Cranes are recognized for their tall stature, gray body, long legs, and long neck. Their most distinctive feature is a red forehead, which contrasts with their otherwise primarily gray plumage. During the breeding season, their gray feathers often take on a rusty-brown hue due to them rubbing iron-rich mud onto their feathers.
Diet: Sandhill Cranes are omnivorous birds and their diet is quite diverse, consisting of seeds, grains, berries, insects, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. They are known to forage while walking in shallow water or in fields.
Reproduction: Sandhill Cranes mate for life and their complex courtship dance is a sight to behold. They nest in marshy areas and the female typically lays two eggs.
American Wigeon
![American Wigeon](http://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2022/06/American-Wigeon.jpg.webp)
![](https://birdsandwetlands.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/uploads/2023/06/American-widgeons.jpg.webp)
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Scientific Name: Mareca americana
Length: 17–23 in
Wingspan: 30–36 in
Weight: 1 –3 lb
The American Wigeon is a medium-sized duck species that is a popular sight in wetlands, ponds, and lakes and is often seen in mixed flocks with other ducks.
Males of the species are recognized by their distinctive appearance. They sport a unique white forehead and crown, coupled with a green band stretching from the eye to the back of the head. The body is mainly gray with a pinkish hue on the chest. Females are more subdued in color, with primarily gray and brown tones.
Diet: comprising mainly plant material like aquatic vegetation and grasses, but it also includes insects and other small invertebrates. They are known for a feeding behavior called “kleptoparasitism,” where they often snatch food from other ducks.
American Wigeons usually breed in the northernmost parts of North America. The females create their nests on the ground, often hidden in tall grass near water bodies. They lay a clutch of 6 to 11 eggs which they incubate for about three to four weeks and the ducklings feed on small aquatic invertebrates and aquatic insects.
American Avocet
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Scientific Name: Recurvirostra americana
Length: 16–20 in
Wingspan: 27–30 in
Weight: 9.7–14.8 oz
The American Avocet is a distinctive wading bird known for its upturned bill and elegant profile.
Appearance: American Avocets have a unique look with a black and white body, a cinnamon colored neck and head in the summer, and a long, thin, upcurved bill. In winter, the bird’s neck and head turn grayish-white.
Diet: The diet of American Avocets primarily includes aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans and insects. They feed by sweeping their bill from side to side in the water to capture food.
Reproduction: American Avocets often nest in colonies, preferring to build their nests on open ground near water. The female typically lays a clutch of about 3 to 4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents.
Black-necked Stilt
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Scientific Name: Himantopus mexicanus
Length: 13.8–15.3 in
Wingspan: 28.1–29.7 in
Weight: 5.3–6.2 oz
The Black-necked Stilt is a distinctively shaped wader known for its long, slender legs and striking color contrast.
Appearance: Black-necked Stilts exhibit a sharp contrast between their black upperparts – head, neck, and back – and their white underparts. They have very long, thin, pink legs and a long, thin, straight black bill.
Diet: Black-necked Stilts primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. They forage in shallow water, often sweeping their bills from side to side to detect prey.
Reproduction: Black-necked Stilts nest on the ground, often near water. The female usually lays a clutch of about 3 to 5 eggs, which are incubated by both parents.
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)
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The Great Black-backed Gull is a large, sturdy gull that has a wingspan of up to 3 feet. It has distinctive black markings on its back and a yellow bill with red at the tip.
- Scientific Name: Larus marinus
- Length: 64–79 cm (25–31 in)
- Wingspan: 1.5–1.7 m (4 ft 11 in – 5 ft 7 in)
- Weight: 0.75–2.3 kg (1 lb 10 oz – 5 lb 1 oz)
Great Black-backed Gull Description
It has a black back, white cheeks, a yellow bill, and red legs. It has a strong territorial instinct, which can make them aggressive toward other birds and humans alike. They are known for their loud calls and their ability to soar for hours without flapping their wings.
Great Black-backed Gull Sound
Great Black-backed Gull Habitat & Range
This gull lives all over Europe, Asia, and North America. It lives in coastal areas and can be found on beaches and near freshwater lakes. There are two populations, one in North America and one in Europe.
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Great Black-backed Gull Diet
The Great Black-backed Gull’s diet consists mostly of fish, insects, small mammals, and birds. They hunt for food by spotting prey from high above and swooping down to catch them with their claws. They will also scavenge for food on land or on the water’s surface when necessary.
Great Black-backed Gull Nesting
This species nests in colonies on cliffs or islands, sometimes laying eggs in trees when no appropriate nest sites are available. They lay three to five eggs each year.
These birds form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which lasts from April through June depending on location; they will mate for life after finding their perfect partner. After mating, they build nests made out of sticks lined with seaweed or grass, which they place high up in trees or cliffs so they can see over long distances easily while keeping an eye on their eggs at all times.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
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Osprey Sound
Scientific Name: Pandion haliaetus
Length: 50–66 cm (19+1⁄2–26 in)
Wingspan: 127–180 cm (50–71 in)
Weight: 0.9–2.1 kg (2 lb 0 oz – 4 lb 10 oz)
The Osprey, a fascinating bird of prey, is universally known for its exceptional hunting prowess and striking physical characteristics. Osprey are dark brown hawks on the upperparts, contrasting beautifully with the predominantly white underparts, and a distinctive dark band that stretches across the eyes towards the sides of its head.
Equipped with specialized talons and a reversible outer toe, the Osprey’s hunting strategy involves a spectacular plunge-dive into bodies of water, often emerging with a fish securely gripped in its claws.
Found on every continent except Antarctica, the Osprey is a cosmopolitan species favoring habitats near water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, reflecting its piscivorous diet. This bird has a diet almost exclusively of fish, making it a unique member of the raptor family and often referred to as the sea hawk or fish hawk. They locate their prey from the air, often hovering before plunging feet-first to capture a fish. When it comes to breeding, Ospreys are monogamous, often mating for life.
They construct large, bulky nests made of sticks, lined with softer materials, and prefer elevated or isolated areas such as treetops or artificial structures like utility poles. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and rearing the chicks.
Where to Spot Illinois’s Water Birds
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Chicago: This sanctuary located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park is a haven for water birds. Here, one can observe a variety of ducks, gulls, and even the occasional loon or grebe.
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, Lewistown: One of the largest floodplain restoration projects in the Midwest, Emiquon attracts a wide variety of waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds. It’s a perfect spot to observe species such as Northern Pintails, Snowy Egrets, and American Coots.
Chain O’Lakes State Park, Spring Grove: Located in northeastern Illinois, this state park is composed of numerous lakes and waterways that attract a large number of water birds, including several species of ducks (you can often see the green winged teal here), herons (look out for little blue herons), and grebes.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Marion: This refuge offers a mix of woods, wetland habitat, freshwater marshes, freshwater ponds and lakes that attract a wide variety of bird species. From Great Blue Herons and the little blue heron to Double-Crested Cormorants and yellow headed blackbirds, this place is a birder’s delight.
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, Penfield: The preserve’s wetlands attract numerous waterfowl and other water birds, especially during the migration seasons. Sightings include Great Egrets, Mallards, and Buffleheads. They did try to increase the native wild turkey population in several preserves across Illinois.
Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
---|---|
Wisconsin Water Birds | Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Devil’s Lake State Park |
Iowa Water Birds | DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area |
Missouri Water Birds | Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge |
Kentucky Water Birds | Sloughs Wildlife Management Area, Mammoth Cave National Park, Lake Barkley State Resort Park |
Indiana Water Birds | Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area, Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge, Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge |