Ducks, Geese, and Swans (Anatidae) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Ducks, geese, and swans belong to the same family of water birds found in ponds, city parks, marshes, and coastal waters. Some tip up in shallow water to find food, while others dive for fish and shellfish. They are often called waterfowl.

In this group

MallardAnas platyrhynchos

This familiar duck occurs across most of the United States in ponds, marshes, and city parks. Breeding males have a glossy green head, while females are mottled brown.

Canada GooseBranta canadensis

It is common on lakes, lawns, and wetlands across much of the country. The black neck and white chinstrap are useful marks at any season.

Wood DuckAix sponsa

Look for this duck, which nests in tree holes, in wooded swamps and along tree-lined streams. Adults have a crested head and a compact shape.

Northern PintailAnas acuta

This slim duck is widespread during migration and winter. Males have a long pointed tail, and both sexes have a graceful long-necked shape.

Trumpeter SwanCygnus buccinator

This huge native swan is found mainly in the North and West, with restored populations in parts of the Midwest. Its bill is black without the orange knob of a Mute Swan.

Appearance

How to recognize it: Most have a buoyant body, a broad bill, and webbing between the three front toes. Mergansers are an exception to the usual bill shape, with narrow, saw-edged bills for gripping fish.

Look-alikes

GrebesPodicipedidae

Grebes usually have a narrow pointed bill, almost no visible tail, and individually lobed toes instead of a duck's broad webbed foot. They often sit lower in the water.

Why they get mixed upBoth groups swim and dive on ponds and lakes.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: ponds and lakes
marshes and flooded fields
estuaries and coastal waters
Range: The family occurs around the world except Antarctica. In the United States, different species breed, migrate, or winter in nearly every region with suitable wetlands.
Seasonal presence: Some populations stay in the same region all year, while many follow major between northern breeding areas and southern wintering grounds.
Migration: Many North American waterfowl move along the Pacific, Central, Mississippi, or Atlantic Flyways, though familiar park populations may remain year-round.
When it’s recorded: Recorded year-round, every year · most records in Apr
1,156,991 observations in the US · 10 years · for referenceChoose a state

Behavior

Diet: Food varies widely and includes aquatic plants, seeds, grasses, insects, shellfish, and fish. reach below the surface without fully submerging, while diving ducks disappear underwater.
Activity: The young of most species hatch covered in and can walk, swim, and feed soon afterward while a parent guards and leads them.

Life cycle

Nest: Depending on the species, nests may be on the ground near water, in marsh vegetation, or in holes in trees. Many females line the nest with down from their breast.

Name and classification

Group name: The everyday term “waterfowl” usually means ducks, geese, and swans and largely overlaps with Anatidae, although casual use may include other swimming birds. “Duck” alone covers only part of the family.

Conservation

Conservation: In the United States, Duck Stamp funding helps protect habitat used by many migratory waterfowl species.

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: The Federal Duck Stamp is a hunting license requirement.

14 sources