In “A Guide to Identifying Black and White Ducks in North America,” readers will find a comprehensive resource detailing 17 unique duck species found in this region. With the challenge of distance and water often obscuring their appearance, identifying these black and white ducks can be quite tricky. However, this guide comes to the rescue by offering detailed descriptions of male and female appearances, accompanied by photos, calls, and region-specific information that greatly aids in identification. Whether you’re interested in learning more about Buffleheads, Ring-necked Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Common Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, or any other black and white ducks, this guide has got you covered. Not only does it provide information about their breeding, habitat, foraging behavior, calls, and nesting habits, but it also throws in some fascinating fun facts about each species. Prepare to delve into the world of black and white ducks and discover a newfound appreciation for these marvelous creatures.
Bufflehead
Identification
Buffleheads are small sea ducks that measure about 13 to 15 inches in length and have a wingspan of approximately 21 inches. They have a relatively short neck and a large round head. The males have a striking black and white plumage, with a large white patch on the back of their head that extends down their neck. Their back, wings, and tail are black, and their underparts are white.
Male Appearance
Male Buffleheads have a unique and attractive appearance. Their black head has a large white patch that wraps around the back of their head and extends down their neck. They have a black back, wings, and tail, with white underparts. Their bill is short and dark colored, and their eyes are a vibrant yellow.
Female Appearance
Female Buffleheads have a more subdued appearance compared to males. They have a dark brown head with a white cheek patch. Their body is mostly gray-brown with white underparts. The female’s bill is dark in color, similar to the male’s.
Photos
Calls
The call of the Bufflehead is a high-pitched, soft, and squeaky “tee-tee-tee.”
Region Information
Buffleheads are found in North America, primarily in freshwater habitats such as lakes, ponds, and rivers. During the breeding season, they can be found in northern parts of the United States and Canada. In the winter, they migrate to the southern parts of the United States and Mexico.
Breeding
Buffleheads breed in tree cavities near water, often using old woodpecker holes or natural hollows. The female lays a clutch of 6 to 11 eggs and incubates them for about a month. The male does not assist with incubation but may provide food for the female during this time.
Habitat
Buffleheads inhabit freshwater areas with dense vegetation and adequate food sources, such as small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. They are often found in wooded areas near water bodies.
Foraging Behavior
Buffleheads are diving ducks and feed by diving underwater to search for food. They have the ability to dive to considerable depths and can stay submerged for up to 30 seconds. They primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans, insects, and some plant material.
Nesting Habits
As mentioned earlier, Buffleheads nest in tree cavities near water. They line their nests with down feathers and other soft materials. After the eggs hatch, the female leads the ducklings to the water, where they will learn to swim and find food on their own.
Fun Facts
- The Bufflehead is known for its agility and ability to twist and turn rapidly during flight.
- They are often seen in small groups or pairs and are rarely observed in large flocks.
- Buffleheads are highly territorial during the breeding season and will defend their nesting sites aggressively against other ducks.
Ring-necked Duck
Identification
Ring-necked ducks are medium-sized diving ducks that measure about 15 to 19 inches in length and have a wingspan of approximately 24 to 27 inches. They have a compact body and a large rounded head. Both males and females have a distinctive vertical white ring around their bill.
Male Appearance
Male Ring-necked Ducks have a striking black plumage with a purplish iridescence. They have a white crescent-shaped patch on their face, which contrasts with their black head and neck. Their back, wings, and tail are black, and their underparts are white with fine grayish vertical bars.
Female Appearance
Female Ring-necked Ducks have a more subdued appearance. They have a light brown head with a dark cap and a white eye ring. Their body is mostly brown with fine pale vertical bars and lighter underparts. Like the males, they also have a white crescent-shaped patch on their face.
Photos
Calls
The call of the Ring-necked Duck is a soft, nasal quack.
Region Information
Ring-necked Ducks can be found in North America, primarily in freshwater habitats such as lakes, ponds, and marshes. They breed in the northern parts of the United States and Canada and migrate to southern parts of the United States and Mexico during the winter.
Breeding
Ring-necked Ducks breed in dense vegetation near water bodies. The female builds a nest made of plant material and lines it with down feathers. She lays a clutch of 8 to 10 eggs and incubates them for about a month. The male may leave the female after mating and does not assist with incubation or raising the ducklings.
Habitat
Ring-necked Ducks prefer freshwater habitats with dense emergent vegetation, such as cattails and water lilies. They can also be found in wooded areas near water bodies.
Foraging Behavior
Ring-necked Ducks are diving ducks and feed by diving underwater to find food. They primarily eat aquatic vegetation, seeds, small fish, and invertebrates. They are known to dive to considerable depths in search of food.
Nesting Habits
As mentioned earlier, Ring-necked Ducks nest in dense vegetation near water bodies. The nest is usually concealed and well-camouflaged. After hatching, the female leads the ducklings to the water, where they will learn to swim and find food.
Fun Facts
- The Ring-necked Duck is known for its ability to disappear underwater almost instantly.
- Despite its name, the white ring around the bill of the Ring-necked Duck is often not visible unless seen at close range.
- They have a distinctive rolling takeoff, where they run on the water’s surface before becoming airborne.
Hooded Merganser
Identification
Hooded Mergansers are small diving ducks that measure about 15 to 19 inches in length and have a wingspan of approximately 23 to 28 inches. They have a long, narrow body and a large, fan-shaped crest on their head. Both males and females have distinctive crests, but they differ in coloration.
Male Appearance
Male Hooded Mergansers have a striking black and white plumage. Their head is black with a large, white fan-shaped crest. They have a black back, wings, and tail, with white underparts. The male’s bill is black, and his eyes are yellow.
Female Appearance
Female Hooded Mergansers have a more subdued appearance. They have a brown head with a wispy crest. Their body is mostly gray-brown with fine pale vertical bars and lighter underparts. The female’s bill is also dark in color.
Photos
Calls
The call of the Hooded Merganser is a low-pitched, hoarse croak.
Region Information
Hooded Mergansers can be found in North America, primarily in freshwater habitats such as lakes, ponds, and marshes. They breed in the northern parts of the United States and Canada and migrate to southern parts of the United States and Mexico during the winter.
Breeding
Hooded Mergansers breed in tree cavities near water, often using old woodpecker holes or natural hollows. The female lays a clutch of 9 to 12 eggs and incubates them for about a month. The male does not assist with incubation but may provide food for the female during this time.
Habitat
Hooded Mergansers prefer calm freshwater habitats with dense vegetation, such as swamps, beaver ponds, and slow-moving rivers. They can also be found in wooded areas near water bodies.
Foraging Behavior
Hooded Mergansers are diving ducks and feed by diving underwater to search for food. They have the ability to dive to considerable depths and can stay submerged for up to a minute. They primarily feed on small fish, crustaceans, insects, and amphibians.
Nesting Habits
As mentioned earlier, Hooded Mergansers nest in tree cavities near water. They line their nests with down feathers and other soft materials. After the eggs hatch, the female leads the ducklings to the water, where they will learn to swim and find food on their own.
Fun Facts
- The hooded crest of the Hooded Merganser can be erected or flattened according to the bird’s mood.
- They are known for their elaborate courtship displays, where the male raises and lowers his crest while swimming in circles to attract females.
- Hooded Mergansers are excellent divers and can catch prey underwater by quickly striking with their sharp bills.
Common Merganser
Identification
Common Mergansers are large diving ducks that measure approximately 22 to 28 inches in length and have a wingspan of about 30 to 36 inches. They have a long, slender body and a thin, serrated bill. Both males and females have distinctive appearances.
Male Appearance
Male Common Mergansers have a striking black and white plumage. Their head is black with a greenish gloss and a shaggy crest. They have a white body with a reddish-brown breast and flanks. The male’s bill is reddish-orange, and his eyes are yellow.
Female Appearance
Female Common Mergansers have a more subdued appearance. They have a cinnamon-brown head with a shaggy crest. Their body is mostly gray with a reddish-brown breast and flanks. The female’s bill is dark in color.
Photos
Calls
The call of the Common Merganser is a low, hoarse croaking sound.
Region Information
Common Mergansers can be found in North America, primarily in freshwater habitats such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. They breed in the northern parts of the United States and Canada and migrate to southern parts of the United States during the winter.
Breeding
Common Mergansers breed in tree cavities near water, often using old woodpecker holes or natural hollows. The female lays a clutch of 6 to 17 eggs and incubates them for about a month. The male does not assist with incubation but may provide food for the female during this time.
Habitat
Common Mergansers prefer large, open freshwater bodies such as lakes and rivers. They can also be found in wooded areas near water bodies. They are often seen in fast-flowing rivers where they can take advantage of the abundant prey.
Foraging Behavior
Common Mergansers are diving ducks and feed by diving underwater to search for food. They primarily eat fish, but they also consume crustaceans, insects, and amphibians. They are known for their excellent swimming and underwater foraging skills.
Nesting Habits
As mentioned earlier, Common Mergansers nest in tree cavities near water. They line their nests with down feathers and other soft materials. After the eggs hatch, the female leads the ducklings to the water, where they will learn to swim and find food on their own.
Fun Facts
- The Common Merganser is sometimes called the “sawbill” due to its serrated bill, which helps them catch slippery fish.
- They have been known to form large groups or “rafts” during the winter, often consisting of hundreds of individuals.
- Common Mergansers are fast fliers and can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour in flight.
Common Goldeneye
Identification
Common Goldeneyes are medium-sized diving ducks that measure approximately 15 to 19 inches in length and have a wingspan of about 24 to 31 inches. They have a compact body and a round head. Both males and females have distinctive appearances.
Male Appearance
Male Common Goldeneyes have a striking black and white plumage. Their head is black with a round white patch between their eye and bill that forms a crescent shape. They have a black back, wings, and tail, with white underparts. The male’s bill is blue-gray, and his eyes are yellow.
Female Appearance
Female Common Goldeneyes have a more subdued appearance. They have a dark brown head with a lighter cheek patch. Their body is mostly gray-brown with lighter underparts. The female’s bill is dark in color.
Photos
Calls
The call of the Common Goldeneye is a series of low, nasal croaks.
Region Information
Common Goldeneyes can be found in North America, primarily in freshwater habitats such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. They breed in the northern parts of the United States and Canada and migrate to southern parts of the United States during the winter.
Breeding
Common Goldeneyes breed in tree cavities near water, often using old woodpecker holes or natural hollows. The female lays a clutch of 6 to 12 eggs and incubates them for about a month. The male does not assist with incubation but may provide food for the female during this time.
Habitat
Common Goldeneyes prefer freshwater habitats such as lakes, rivers, and ponds. They can also be found in coastal areas during the winter. They are often seen in areas with submerged vegetation and abundant prey.
Foraging Behavior
Common Goldeneyes are diving ducks and feed by diving underwater to search for food. They primarily eat small fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and some plant material. They are agile divers and can swim underwater quickly to catch their prey.
Nesting Habits
As mentioned earlier, Common Goldeneyes nest in tree cavities near water. They line their nests with down feathers and other soft materials. After the eggs hatch, the female leads the ducklings to the water, where they will learn to swim and find food on their own.
Fun Facts
- The Common Goldeneye is named after its bright yellow eyes, which contrast with its dark plumage.
- During courtship displays, males engage in elaborate head movements and “head-throwing,” where they throw their head backward and touch their back.
- Common Goldeneyes have been known to nest in artificial nest boxes, provided they are located near suitable water bodies.
Other Black and White Ducks
Identification
There are several other black and white ducks found in North America that may be challenging to identify due to their similar appearance. These ducks include the Barrow’s Goldeneye, Long-tailed Duck, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, and Black Scoter.
Photos
Region Information
These black and white ducks can be found in various regions of North America, depending on the species. They prefer coastal areas, such as bays, estuaries, and open ocean, but can also be found on large inland lakes and rivers.
Fun Facts
- Barrow’s Goldeneyes are named after Sir John Barrow, a British statesman and explorer.
- Long-tailed Ducks are known for their long, narrow tail feathers, which give them their name.
- Surf Scoters are powerful divers and can reach depths of up to 200 feet when foraging.
- White-winged Scoters have distinctive white patches on their wings, which are visible during flight.
- Black Scoters are known for their preference for rocky shorelines and their ability to feed in heavy surf.
In conclusion, these black and white ducks found in North America offer a diverse and fascinating array of species. Their distinctive appearances, calls, and behaviors make them a delight for bird enthusiasts. By understanding their identification, habitat preferences, breeding habits, and foraging behaviors, birdwatchers can have a better appreciation for these unique waterfowl. So, the next time you encounter a black and white duck, take a moment to observe its plumage and behavior, and you might just discover a new fascination for these remarkable birds.
