Anatidae bird family

Order Anseriformes · 30 selected species

Browse verified BirdLens profiles selected for complete taxonomy, substantial descriptive coverage, and visual evidence. Open a species to compare its identification notes, distribution, behavior, sounds, and maps.

American Black DuckAnas rubripesA large duck, nearly identical to Mallard in size and shape but with a much darker chocolate-colored body. Bill is yellow with a slight greenish tinge on males, dull grayish-green on females. Note blue wing patch lacks any white borders. Fairly common in northeastern North America, especially along the coast. Large flocks can gather in the winter in saltmarshes and estuaries, but also occurs in smaller numbers on ponds and lakes, often mixed with other duck species. Frequently hybridizes with Mallard. Hybrids usually look darker than typical Mallards and may have an intermediate head pattern; also look for white in the tail or curled feathers above the tail to indicate Mallard genes.

American Black DuckAnas rubripesA large duck, nearly identical to Mallard in size and shape but with a much darker chocolate-colored body. Bill is yellow with a slight greenish tinge on males, dull grayish-green on females. Note blue wing patch lacks any white borders. Fairly common in northeastern North America, especially along the coast. Large flocks can gather in the winter in saltmarshes and estuaries, but also occurs in smaller numbers on ponds and lakes, often mixed with other duck species. Frequently hybridizes with Mallard. Hybrids usually look darker than typical Mallards and may have an intermediate head pattern; also look for white in the tail or curled feathers above the tail to indicate Mallard genes.

American WigeonMareca americanaBreeding males have obvious white blaze on forehead and broad green slash behind eye. Females are plainer brown with rusty sides. Females are very difficult to distinguish from female Eurasian Wigeon; note colder grayish-brown head on American that contrasts with warmer orangey sides. Also look for brighter white, not gray, underwings in flight, but this can be difficult to judge, especially at a distance. Widespread and common in North America, occasionally wintering as far south as northern South America. Typically in flocks on lakes and wetlands, often grazing in nearby fields. Regular vagrant to Europe.

Baer's PochardAythya baeriExtremely rare diving duck. Breeding male has a dark green gloss to the head, but often seems dark-headed in poor lighting. Non-breeding males are duller, but have pale eyes. Females and immatures have dark brown heads and dark eyes. Boldly patterned chestnut-and-white sides unique among ducks; compare the brown sides of Ferruginous Duck and pale sides of Common Pochards, both similar species. Can be difficult to separate from Ferruginous Duck, with which it sometimes hybridizes; note less extensive white wing panels in present species. During the colder months, often found singly or in small groups within non-breeding flocks of more common duck species. Breeds on sheltered, well-vegetated lakes; prefers large open bodies of water in the winter.

Barrow's GoldeneyeBucephala islandicaStriking diving duck of coastal harbors, mountain lakes, and large rivers. Very similar to Common Goldeneye. Males are easiest: Barrow’s has more black on the back, a downward-pointing spur on the side, and a crescent-shaped (not circular) white patch on the face. Females can be very difficult. Barrow’s usually has a yellow bill, but Common can rarely show a dull yellowish bill. Head and bill shape are important: Barrow’s has a steeper forehead and a puffy nape, and a shorter bill with a more rounded lower edge. Fairly common in western U.S. and Canada; much less common in the northeast. Small population in Iceland. Frequently found in mixed flocks with Common Goldeneye.

Black-bellied Whistling-DuckDendrocygna autumnalisGangly duck with long neck and legs. Unmistakable adult has chestnut-and-black body with electric pink legs and bill. Look for the bold white wing stripe, especially visible in flight. Juvenile is duller brownish overall with gray bill and legs. Young birds could be confused with Fulvous Whistling-Duck, but juvenile Black-bellied has a white wing stripe and typically shows some black coming in on the sides and belly. Flocks gather in marshes, lakes, rice fields, and swamps, sometimes by the hundreds. Active day and night. Occurs throughout Middle and South America. Range is expanding northward in the U.S., but still largely restricted to southern states. Vocal and conspicuous; listen for wheezy whistles and chirps.

Blue-winged TealSpatula discorsSmall duck with chalky-blue patches on the upperwing (visible in flight). Breeding males unmistakable with bold white crescent in front of eye and polka-dotted sides. Females are cold brown overall and intricately patterned. Look for a hint of a pale crescent on the face, as well as a dark eyeline and pale eye-arcs. Usually found in shallow wetlands or marshes, where it can occur in pairs or flocks, sometimes mixed with other species of ducks. Compare with other teal species: female Cinnamon Teal is warmer-toned overall and has a duller face pattern, while female Green-winged Teal is more compact, darker, and has a different wing pattern in flight.

Canada GooseBranta canadensisA large brown goose with a black neck and white chinstrap. Overall size, bill size, and brown coloration variable across subspecies. Occurs in any open or wetland habitat, from city parks and golf courses to pristine marshes and Arctic tundra. Typically in flocks or family groups. Often seen in mixed flocks with Cackling Goose, especially in central and western North America. Canada Goose is almost always larger, longer-necked, and longer-billed than Cackling, although beware there is some overlap between the smallest Canada and largest Cackling. Abundant and widespread throughout the U.S. and Canada; rare in Mexico. Introduced and widely established in Europe. Listen for loud honking calls, especially as flocks migrate overhead in the classic V formation.

Common PochardAythya ferinaMid-sized diving duck. Male distinctive, with dark rusty head, pale gray body contrasting with black breast, and broad pale bluish band on bill. Female rather nondescript: gray-brown overall with diffuse pale head markings. Note sloping forehead and dark gray bill with pale band near tip. In flight grayish overall (lacks bold white wing stripe). Inhabits marshy and reed-fringed lakes to open reservoirs; locally on the sea in winter, especially when lakes freeze. Locally in flocks, and often associates with winter flocks of Tufted Ducks. Feeds mainly by diving.

Coscoroba SwanCoscoroba coscorobaA distinctive white swan with a bright, rather ducklike bill. The black wingtips are usually concealed when swimming. Most likely to be confused with white domestic waterfowl. Fairly common but sometimes local on lakes, slow-moving rivers, wetlands with open water, estuaries, and inshore coastal waters. Often in groups and associates readily with Black-necked Swan. Cygnets are dirty brownish with a black face mask, but young look much like adults within a month or two after hatching. Name comes from slightly gruff, honking “kós-ko roa” call.

Emperor GooseAnser canagicusStocky goose that inhabits rocky coastlines, lagoons, and tidal flats. Striking white head, black throat, and petite pink bill. Blue-gray body with intricate black-and white bars, a white tail, and bright orange legs. Face sometimes stained orangish-brown. Juvenile has a gray head, but still shows white tail. Breeds on marshy tundra and winters in small flocks on coastal waters. Rarely seen outside Alaska.

Falkland Steamer-DuckTachyeres brachypterusA large and flightless, grayish, heavy-set duck. Adult males have a bright orange bill; in females and juveniles, the bill is olive-green. Very similar to Flying Steamer-duck, and not easily identified; look for shorter, stunted wings and tail and thicker neck and bill. Found along the coast, where it favors small rocky islands, as well as sheltered inlets and bays. Also inhabits coastal ponds, but doesn’t venture farther inland, unlike Flying Steamer-Duck.

Fulvous Whistling-DuckDendrocygna bicolorRich caramel-colored duck with long neck and legs. Look for blue-gray legs and bill and white stripes on sides. Easily distinguished from Black-bellied Whistling-Duck in flight because Fulvous has all-dark wings. Usually found in flocks in marshes, marshy ponds, and flooded rice fields. Active day and night. Frequently gives whistled calls. Males sound wheezier, females more nasal and squeaky.

Graylag GooseAnser anserLarge gray goose. Rather bulky and overall brownish gray with a big pinkish-orange bill and pinkish legs. In flight shows extensively pale gray leading edge to upperwings, rather pale underwing coverts, and broad white tail tip. Compare to other gray geese, which differ in details of bill pattern and color, head and neck pattern, and have dark underwings. Inhabits lakes, marshes, and wetlands, and even urban parks in parts of its European range.

Greater ScaupAythya marilaRound-headed diving duck. Males have black breast, medium gray back, white sides, and yellow eye. Head appears black with a greenish sheen in good lighting, never purplish. Females are brown overall, grayer on body in winter, with white patch at base of bill and yellow eye. Very similar to Lesser Scaup; note smoothly rounded head without tall peak, puffier cheeks, more extensive white stripe on wing in flight, and larger, broader bill. Can be similar to immature male and female Tufted Duck, but note smoothly rounded head and more extensive white bill base patch in females. Often in flocks with other Aythya ducks. Tends to prefer saltwater bays and coves, but also found in freshwater.

Greater White-fronted GooseAnser albifronsMedium-sized goose with extensive range across the Northern Hemisphere. On adults note bright orange legs, white face, and variable amount of black splotching on belly. Bill color varies from orange to pinkish. Immatures lack white face and black on belly and have duller orange legs and bill. Superficially similar to domestic barnyard geese but smaller without the enormous pot-bellied appearance of domestic birds. Bill color is helpful to separate from both species of Bean-Goose and Pink-footed Goose. Also compare with very similar Lesser White-fronted Goose in Europe and Asia, which is smaller and more compact, and has a stubby bill and yellow eyering. Breeds in tundra and taiga habitats; winters in fields, agricultural areas, and wetlands. Usually found in flocks, sometimes mixed with other species of geese.

Harlequin DuckHistrionicus histrionicusFairly small, boldly patterned diving duck that lives a seemingly dangerous life near fast-moving water and jagged rocks. Male is striking and unmistakable. Female is dark brown with small white patches on face; compare with female scoters but note smaller size and smaller bill of Harlequin. In summer, almost invariably seen in pairs on rocky streams where they breed. Gathers in small flocks on rocky coastlines in winter. Feeds on insects, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. Frequently dives underwater. Vocalizations are cute, high-pitched squeaks. In North America, more numerous in the west than in the east; also occurs in eastern Asia and Iceland.

King EiderSomateria spectabilisA fantastic sea duck of the high Arctic. Breeding male is particularly shocking, as if you left a child unsupervised with a set of paints; it would be very difficult to mistake this bird for anything else. At a distance, look for black back with “sails” sticking up, powdery-blue nape, and enormous orange knob on the face. Immature male is variable but usually dark brown or blackish overall with paler breast and orange bill. Female is buffy-brown with a blackish bill shaped to look like she’s smiling. Extensive breeding range across the Arctic tundra; winters at slightly lower latitudes, rarely as far south as the mid-Atlantic states of the U.S. Most often seen singly or in small flocks on the ocean, often mixed with Common Eider or other sea ducks. Rare on inland lakes, but more regular inland than Common Eider. Females and young males more regularly seen further south than adult males.

Lesser ScaupAythya affinisPeak-headed diving duck. Males have black breast, finely-barred gray back, whitish sides (often slightly dusty-looking), and yellow eye. Head appears black with a purplish or greenish sheen in good light. Females are brown overall with white patch at base of bill and yellow eye. Very similar to Greater Scaup; note Lesser’s peaked head shape with angle near the rear of crown, slimmer cheeks, less extensive white stripe on wing in flight, and smaller, narrower bill. Also similar to Ring-necked Duck, but Lesser Scaup has grayer back and whiter sides. Usually in flocks or pairs on a variety of wetland habitats, from small ponds to large lakes and bays. Slightly more likely to be seen on smaller bodies of water, especially fresh water, than Greater Scaup, but much overlap. Frequently in mixed flocks with other Aythya ducks. Widespread across North America, with more southerly range extent than Greater Scaup, regularly reaching northern South America.

Maccoa DuckOxyura maccoaMedium-sized, chunky, oddly shaped, big-billed duck. Long tail is sometimes cocked up to produce a distinctive silhouette. Breeding male has a black head, rufous body, and blue bill. Female and non-breeding male are dark brown with white head stripes. Prefers freshwater wetlands such as lakes, ponds, and lagoons, though sometimes found on saline lakes. Floats low on the water. Rarely seen in flight; prefers to dive to flee disturbance. Odd shape is unlike any other duck in its range. Colorful breeding male is distinctive.

MallardAnas platyrhynchosA large duck, generally common and familiar within its extensive range. Males are distinctive with iridescent green head, yellow bill, chestnut breast, and gray body. Females are mottled brown with orange and black splotches on the bill. Found anywhere with water, including city parks, backyard creeks, and various wetland habitats. Often in flocks, and frequently mixes with other duck species. In North America, females can be tricky to distinguish from American Black Duck, Mottled Duck, and Mexican Duck where ranges overlap. Those species are all darker-bodied than Mallard. A good view of the wing can be helpful, too: white wingbars on the leading and trailing edges of the blue wing patch are bolder on Mallard. Frequently hybridizes with those species, which can be even more confusing. Any bird with extensive white in the tail or curled feathers above the tail has some Mallard genes.

Paradise ShelduckTadorna variegataLarge, colorful duck, endemic to New Zealand. Sexes told apart by head color; male has a black head with slight green iridescence, female has a white head and upper neck. Note the large white wing patch on the outer wing of both sexes in flight. Widely distributed throughout New Zealand. Utilizes rivers, wetlands, and lakes, as well as open grassy areas and farmland. Noisy; males give loud honking alarm calls, while females are higher-pitched. Found in pairs or in large flocks, especially post-breeding. Distinguishable from vagrant Australian Shelducks by absence of white neck ring, chestnut or buff breast, and black undertail.

Red-breasted GooseBranta ruficollisSmall and stocky rare goose with a small bill. From a distance, appears dark and dull, and often blends into flocks of other geese. When seen well, note the rich rusty breast and striking rusty and black-and-white head pattern. Mantle is dark and finely barred. White flank stripe is prominent on land and in flight. Also note the all dark underwings in flight. Breeds on the high arctic tundra, on islands, and coastal habitats. Winters mainly by the Black Sea.

Ruddy ShelduckTadorna ferrugineaStriking and distinctive gooselike duck. Plumage bright ruddy overall with contrasting pale creamy head and neck; male has narrow black neck ring. Big white forewing patches striking in flight. Breeds in southeastern Europe and Central Asia, winters in South Asia. Often found around saline lakes; also reservoirs and agricultural fields. Escapees from waterfowl collections occasionally seen free-flying outside of native range.

Snow GooseAnser caerulescensMedium-sized goose with two strikingly different color morphs. White morph generally more common. Adults have black wingtips, pink bill and legs, and often show yellowish staining on the head. Juveniles have dull brownish bill and legs and variable grayish smudging on body and wings. Dark morph adults are dark slaty-gray with a white face; juveniles are entirely dark. Typically found in flocks, sometimes numbering into the thousands, but individuals may be found with other geese species. Occurs in fields, marshes, and lakes during migration and winter; breeds on Arctic tundra. Compare with Ross’s Goose, which is like a cuter miniature version of Snow Goose. Pay attention to the bill: Snow Goose has a longer bill with a more curved border where it meets the face, and a more pronounced dark “grin patch” (but beware, Ross’s can show a small grin patch too!).

Steller's EiderPolysticta stelleriUnique Arctic sea duck. Much smaller than other eiders (and in a different genus); only slightly larger than Harlequin Duck. Male is unmistakable with bold black-and-white pattern, olive smudge in front of eye, and peachy underparts. Female less dazzling, chocolate brown overall with few markings; note square head, bold white edges on inner wing feathers, and white underwings. Breeds on Arctic tundra, mainly in Russia but also into Alaska. Winters in pairs or flocks in coastal waters, mainly along the Aleutians and far eastern Russia, also in northern Europe. Dives underwater for crustaceans and mussels.

Surf ScoterMelanitta perspicillataLarge, dark sea duck. Breeding males have a colorful bill and white patches on the nape and forehead. Females and first-year males are dark brown with white patches on the cheek and face. Note large, thick-based bill to help separate from female White-winged Scoter. Breeds on lakes and ponds in northern Canada and Alaska; winters in flocks in harbors, bays, and other coastal waters, where dives for mussels and other aquatic invertebrates. Uncommon to rare inland, especially in migration. Frequently mixes with other sea duck species, especially eiders and scoters.

Trumpeter SwanCygnus buccinatorHuge white bird with long neck and all-black bill. Immatures dusky gray-brown with pink on bill. Forages in shallow, vegetated wetlands reaching under the water for plants, and walks through corn stubble. Breeds in freshwater marshes and ponds. Winters on any open body of water where food is available. Extremely similar to Tundra Swan, but never shows yellow on bill. Also, note subtle features of face: facial skin is relatively broad where it meets eye, so the eye doesn't stand out, and border between white face and black bill is straight (curved on Tundra). From head-on, the border of the bill and forehead is usually pointed (straight or curved on Tundra). Often in pairs or family groups. Almost went extinct in early 20th century, but population has rebounded and been reintroduced to some areas.

Tundra SwanCygnus columbianusHuge white bird with a long elegant neck. North American “Whistling” Tundras have a mostly black bill, with a yellow spot near the eye; Eurasian “Bewick’s” have a more evenly divided black-and-yellow bill. Immatures dusky gray-brown with pink on bill. Easily confused with Whooper and Trumpeter Swans where their ranges overlap; see those species’ accounts. Breeds on ponds and tundra in far north. Winters in large flocks on fresh or saltwater. Forages in shallow, vegetated wetlands, reaching under the water for plants, and walks through corn stubble. Gives loud echoing bugles, often while in flight.

Upland GooseChloephaga pictaCommon and conspicuous in most of its range, becoming uncommon and local in northern areas. Pairs and flocks are common along roadsides in Patagonian steppe grasslands, wetlands, at lakes, and along coasts. The male is strikingly white necked; some males have clean white breast and belly, others have dark-barred body. The female is brownish overall and much less noticeable with a rusty brown to grayish brown head and neck (compare to the rare Ruddy-headed Goose). Both sexes have bold black-and-white wing pattern that is striking in flight.