While all types of ducks belong to the Anatidae bird family, the family is so diverse that it is possible to group certain duck species into smaller divisions by how they look and other common characteristics. By understanding the different types of duck groups and related species, duck identification becomes much easier. Here are the 12 types of ducks with pictures that every birder needs to know.
Identifying Different Ducks
Ducks differ widely in their appearance and their temperament. For instance, Pekins are known to be one of the friendliest breeds of duck. As for what is the prettiest duck, that’s in the eye of the beholder, though there are certainly some types of ducks—such as the mandarin duck—that are known for their exquisite appearance. Certain traits are commonly used to identify ducks. They include:
Head and neck: Note the markings on the duck’s head, including whether there are cheek patches, a brow line, or a head crest (a tuft of feathers rising up from the head). Also, note the head shape, the neck length, and how the duck carries its head. Plus, check for rings or other special markings on the neck. Bill: Examine the size, shape, thickness, and color of the bill (beak). On some ducks, the bill is multicolored. Also, note the proportion of the bill to the rest of the head. Feathers: Note the duck’s prominent colors, as well as any accent colors. Take in where those accent colors are. And see whether the feathers are iridescent or have any spotting, streaking, or other markings to them. Wings: Look at the wing size and markings. Check specifically for the speculum, an often iridescent patch of accent-colored feathers on the rear of each wing when the wing is stretched out. This is present on many types of ducks. Legs: Check the leg color and length. Tail: Note how long the duck’s tail is, as well as its shape. Overall size: Estimate the duck’s overall size, especially in relation to other types of ducks and geese. It can be helpful to estimate size against domestic duck species you’re familiar with if you’re seeing a type of duck that’s new to you. Movement and behavior: Analyze the duck’s posture and how it moves on water and land. For example, some types of ducks are divers, diving below the water surface to feed. Others are known as dabblers, and they feed near the water surface and on land. And some ducks are perchers, whose feet are structured to allow them to perch in trees.
