Arkansas is a great place for duck lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just someone who enjoys spotting wildlife, the state offers plenty of chances to see a wide variety of ducks. Thanks to its many lakes, rivers, and wetlands, Arkansas attracts ducks all year round—especially during migration season.
From the colorful Wood Duck to the classic Mallard, these birds can be seen paddling through quiet backwaters or flying overhead in neat V-shaped groups. Some ducks dive deep for food, while others prefer to dabble in the shallows. Each species brings its own habits, colors, and charm.
This guide gives you a quick look at the ducks you’re most likely to see in Arkansas. Whether you’re planning a trip to a wildlife refuge or just heading out for a peaceful walk by the water, knowing what to look for can make your time outdoors even more enjoyable.
1. Mallard
- Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 50-65 cm (20-26 in)
- Weight: 700-1600 g (1.5-3.5 lb)
- Wingspan: 81-98 cm (32-39 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory pattern: Leaves in early spring, though many stay year-round
Found across North America, Europe, and Asia, the Mallard is easily recognized by the male’s glossy green head, white neck ring, and chestnut-brown chest. Females are mottled brown with orange bills marked by dark saddle patches. Both sexes display a distinctive violet-blue wing patch bordered by white.
Mallards often nest near water, selecting concealed spots in dense vegetation or tall grass. Females lay 8-13 eggs, incubating them for about 26-30 days. Remarkably adaptable, they may also nest in urban areas, utilizing planters, rooftops, or even nesting boxes provided by conservationists.
Mallards are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, insects, and small fish. They often forage by dabbling in shallow waters, tipping forward to reach submerged plants. In agricultural areas, they may also consume grains and seeds, taking advantage of available food resources in fields and wetlands.
Mallards are abundant, but habitat loss has prompted conservation initiatives. Wetland preservation and sustainable hunting regulations have been implemented to maintain healthy populations. Organizations like Ducks Unlimited work tirelessly to restore and protect wetlands, ensuring that mallards and other waterfowl continue to thrive across their range.
2. Northern Pintail
- Scientific name: Anas acuta
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 56-66 cm (22-26 in)
- Weight: 450-1150 g (1-2.5 lb
- Wingspan: 80-95 cm (31-38 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory pattern: Departs Arkansas by early March.
This elegant duck inhabits wetlands across North America, Europe, and Asia. Males have a slender profile with a long, pointed tail, chocolate-brown head, and white neck stripe extending to the chest. Females are mottled brown with a more subdued appearance but share the characteristic graceful form.
Northern Pintails choose open areas with short vegetation for nesting, often far from water. Females lay 7-9 eggs, with an incubation period of 22-24 days. Their preference for sparse cover makes nests more vulnerable to predators, but allows for a broad view of approaching threats.
Their diet includes seeds, aquatic plants, and insects. They forage by dabbling and occasionally tipping up in deeper waters. During migration and winter, pintails often feed in agricultural fields, consuming waste grain and other plant material, adapting their diet to available resources.
Despite being widespread, their numbers have declined due to habitat loss. Conservation programs aim to restore wetlands and monitor populations. Efforts include working with farmers to create pintail-friendly practices, such as delaying field tilling to protect nests and providing alternative foraging habitats.
3. Northern Shoveler
- Scientific name: Spatula clypeata
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 43-53 cm (17-21 in)
- Weight: 400-1100 g (0.88-2.4 lb)
- Wingspan: 74-86 cm (29-34 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory pattern: Leaves the state around late February to March.
Found throughout North America, the Northern Shoveler breeds in the prairie pothole regions and winters in the southern U.S. and Central America. Males display an iridescent green head, white chest, and chestnut flanks, while females are mottled brown. Both sexes have a distinctive large, spatula-shaped bill.
Nesting in grassy areas near shallow wetlands, female Northern Shovelers lay 8-12 eggs, incubating them for about 22-24 days. They often select sites with dense cover to conceal their nests from predators, and ducklings are led to water soon after hatching to begin foraging.
Northern Shovelers primarily consume aquatic invertebrates and seeds. Their distinctive spatula-shaped bill helps filter food from the water. By skimming the water’s surface and using comb-like structures along the bill’s edge, they efficiently separate food particles from the water.
Populations are generally stable, but ongoing wetland conservation is essential to maintain their habitats. Protecting shallow wetlands rich in invertebrates ensures that Northern Shovelers have adequate feeding grounds during breeding and migration periods.
4. Lesser Scaup
- Scientific name: Aythya affinis
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Size: 38-48 cm (15-19 in)
- Weight: 400-1000 g (0.88-2.2 lb)
- Wingspan: 64-74 cm (25-29 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory pattern: Migrates north in late winter or early spring.
Found throughout North America, Lesser Scaup breed in the northern prairie wetlands and winter across the southern U.S. Males have glossy black heads, gray backs, and white sides. Females are dark brown with a white patch near the bill. Both sexes show a bluish bill and rounded head shape.
Lesser Scaup nest on islands or dense vegetation near water. Females lay 6–14 eggs and incubate for about 23–28 days. Nests are often placed in open wetland areas, offering easy access to food and water.
They dive for aquatic insects, mollusks, and plant matter, including pondweeds and seeds. During winter, they forage in deeper lakes and coastal bays, often in large mixed flocks with other diving ducks.
Populations have declined in recent decades due to unknown causes. Research continues into migration challenges, contaminants, and food availability. Wetland conservation remains the most effective strategy to support future stability.
5. American Wigeon
- Scientific name: Mareca americana
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Size: 42-59 cm (17-23 in)
- Weight: 600-1200 g (1.3-2.6 lb)
- Wingspan: 76-91 cm (30-36 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory pattern: Migrates north by early March.
Native to North America, the American Wigeon breeds in northwestern regions and winters in the southern U.S. and Central America. Males exhibit a pinkish-brown body, white forehead, and green eye stripe, while females are gray-brown with a subtle eye patch. Both sexes have a pale blue bill tipped with black.
Preferring upland areas near water, American Wigeons nest in tall grasses or shrubs. Females lay 6-12 eggs, with an incubation period of approximately 23-25 days. They often choose nesting sites away from water to reduce predation risk, leading their ducklings to water soon after hatching.
Primarily herbivorous, American Wigeons graze on aquatic plants and grasses. Occasionally, they consume insects and mollusks, especially during the breeding season. Their short, stout bills are well-adapted for grazing, allowing them to feed efficiently on vegetation both in water and on land.
Stable populations exist, but wetland conservation remains crucial. Monitoring programs ensure that habitats are preserved for future generations. Conservation organizations collaborate with landowners to implement practices that benefit wigeons, such as maintaining healthy wetlands and promoting sustainable agricultural practices that support their feeding habits.
6. Wood Duck
- Scientific name: Aix sponsa
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 48-54 cm (19-21 in)
- Weight: 454-862 g (1-1.9 lb)
- Wingspan: 66-73 cm (26-29 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory pattern: Some stay year-round; others migrate by spring.
Residing in North America’s wooded swamps and streams, the Wood Duck is renowned for its striking appearance. Males exhibit a glossy green crested head, red eyes, and ornate multicolored plumage. Females are gray-brown with a distinctive white eye ring and crest. Both have a boxy head and long tail.
Wood Ducks nest in tree cavities near water, often using natural hollows or nest boxes. Females lay 10–15 eggs and incubate for 28–37 days. Shortly after hatching, ducklings leap from the nest to the ground, guided by the mother to nearby water.
They eat acorns, seeds, berries, and aquatic insects. Foraging happens in shallow water and forested wetlands. Their strong claws help them perch on branches, allowing access to food in wooded areas other ducks can’t reach.
Once near extinction due to habitat loss and overhunting, Wood Duck numbers have rebounded thanks to nest box programs and wetland restoration. They’re now a conservation success story and serve as a model for other species’ recovery plans.
7. Black-bellied whistling-duck
- Scientific name: Dendrocygna autumnalis
- Life span: 8-15 years
- Size: 17-20 in (43-51 cm)
- Weight: 18-35 oz (510-990 grams)
- Wingspan: 28-30 in (71-76 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and uncommon
- Migratory pattern: Mostly stays year-round in Arkansas.
Native to the southern U.S., Central, and South America, this duck prefers freshwater ponds and wetlands. Both sexes have a distinctive appearance: long pink legs, a coral-red bill, chestnut body, black belly, and bold white wing patches visible in flight. Their upright stance and whistling calls are notable.
Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks nest in tree cavities or boxes, sometimes even on the ground if the understory is thick enough. They lay 9–18 eggs, often communally. Both parents help incubate and care for ducklings, a relatively rare trait among waterfowl.
They forage in fields and wetlands for seeds, grains, and insects. Their upright posture and long legs help them move easily through vegetation, making them a bit more “goose-like” than typical dabbling ducks.
Once limited to the southern U.S., they’ve expanded their range northward. Populations are growing, but continued wetland protection and nest box availability are important for their nesting success and range expansion.
8. Blue-winged Teal
- Scientific name: Spatula discors
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 40-47 cm (16-19 in)
- Weight: 280-420 g (9.9-14.8 oz)
- Wingspan: 58-63 cm (23-25 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory pattern: Migrates early, often by late February.
Inhabiting North and South America, the Blue-winged Teal breeds in North America’s prairies and winters as far south as Argentina. Males feature a slate-gray head with a white crescent in front of the eye and a speckled brown body. Females are mottled brown with a dark eye line. Both have pale blue wing patches.
Blue-winged Teals nest in grassy fields near water. Females lay 6-14 eggs, with an incubation period of 21-27 days. They often choose nesting sites away from water to reduce predation risk, leading their ducklings to water soon after hatching.
Their diet consists of seeds, aquatic vegetation, and insects. They forage by dabbling in shallow waters. During migration, Blue-winged Teals may also feed in flooded fields and marshes, taking advantage of seasonal food availability.
While populations are stable, conservation efforts focus on preserving breeding and migratory habitats. Initiatives include protecting prairie pothole regions and restoring wetlands along migration corridors to ensure Blue-winged Teals have access to essential resources throughout their life cycle.
9. Mottled Duck
- Scientific name: Anas fulvigula
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 48-56 cm (19-22 in)
- Weight: 600-1,070 g (1.3-2.4 lb)
- Wingspan: 91-102 cm (36-40 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migratory pattern: Resident species; does not migrate.
The Mottled Duck is a resident of the Gulf Coast, including Louisiana. It’s similar to a female Mallard but darker. Both sexes are mottled brown with a lighter head and a dark eye line. The bill is yellowish in males and more orange in females, making identification subtle.
Mottled Ducks nest in grassy or marshy areas near water, especially in coastal wetlands. Females lay 8–12 eggs and incubate for around 24–28 days. Their nests are typically well-hidden, often tucked beneath tall grasses or low shrubs.
They dabble in shallow waters for seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates. Their foraging habits closely resemble those of Mallards, although they’re more tied to coastal and freshwater marsh environments in the southeastern U.S.
Mottled Duck populations face challenges from habitat loss and hybridization with Mallards. Conservationists are working to protect coastal marshes and limit Mallard expansion into their range to preserve genetic integrity.
10. Gadwall
- Scientific name: Mareca strepera
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 46-56 cm (18-22 in)
- Weight: 800-1,350 g (1.8-3 lb)
- Wingspan: 81-95 cm (32-37 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and Common
- Migratory pattern: Heads north in late February or early March.
Widespread across North America, Europe, and Asia, Gadwalls breed in the northern prairies and winter in the southern U.S. and Central America. Males are gray with a black rump and a white speculum, whereas females are mottled brown. Both sexes possess a thin, dark bill and a square-shaped head.
Gadwalls nest in dense vegetation near water bodies. Females lay 7-12 eggs, incubating them for about 24-27 days. They often select sites with ample cover to conceal their nests from predators, and ducklings are led to water shortly after hatching to begin foraging.
Gadwalls feed on aquatic vegetation, seeds, and invertebrates. Dabbling in shallow waters is their primary foraging method. They are known to feed alongside other duck species, often stealing food from diving ducks as they surface, showcasing their opportunistic feeding behavior.
Populations are stable, but conservation efforts focus on wetland preservation to support their habitats. Initiatives include restoring degraded wetlands and implementing policies that protect these crucial ecosystems, ensuring gadwalls have access to quality breeding and feeding grounds.
11. Muscovy Duck
- Scientific name: Cairina moschata
- Life span: 8-12 years
- Size: 26-33 in (66-84 cm)
- Weight: 6.6-15 lbs (3-6.8 kg)
- Wingspan: 54-64 in (137-162 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migration pattern: Non-migratory; present year-round.
Originating from Central and South America, wild Muscovy Ducks are predominantly black with white wing patches and a bare, red facial caruncle. Domesticated varieties, common in urban areas, display various color patterns, including white and black. They inhabit forested wetlands and are often seen perching in trees.
Wild Muscovy Ducks nest in tree cavities, often over water. Females lay 8–16 eggs, incubating them for about 35 days. In urban areas, feral populations may nest in parks or building structures.
They’re omnivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, insects, small fish, and even reptiles. Their strong claws allow them to forage in unique places like tree branches or along muddy banks.
Native to Central and South America, wild populations are stable. However, feral Muscovies are monitored in the U.S. to prevent ecological disruption and disease spread to native species.
12. Green-winged Teal
- Scientific name: Anas crecca
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 33-38 cm (13-15 in)
- Weight: 150-400 g (5.3-14.1 oz)
- Wingspan: 53-59 cm (21-23 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory pattern: Heads north in early spring.
Native to North America, the Green-winged Teal breeds in the northern regions and winters across the U.S. and Central America. Males boast a chestnut head with a green ear patch, vertical white shoulder stripe, and gray body. Females are mottled brown with a dark eye line. Both sexes have a green speculum.
Nesting in dense vegetation near water, female Green-winged Teals lay 6-9 eggs, incubating them for about 21-23 days. They often select sites with ample cover to conceal their nests from predators, and ducklings are led to water shortly after hatching to begin foraging.
Green-winged Teals feed on seeds, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. Dabbling in shallow waters is their primary foraging method. They are often seen in small flocks, foraging in mudflats and shallow marshes, taking advantage of seasonal food resources.
Green-winged Teal populations are healthy, though habitat protection remains key. Conservation groups prioritize preserving shallow wetlands and migration stopovers. These efforts help maintain their numbers and support other waterfowl that rely on similar wetland environments during breeding and migration periods.
13. Ring-necked Duck
- Scientific name: Aythya collaris
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 39-46 cm (15-18 in)
- Weight: 680-1,360 g (1.5-3 lb)
- Wingspan: 63-76 cm (25-30 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory pattern: Departs in late February to March.
Found across North America, the Ring-necked Duck breeds in the northern U.S. and Canada and winters in the southern U.S. and Central America. Males display a black back, gray sides, and a faint chestnut neck ring, often hard to see. Females are brown with a subtle face pattern. Both have peaked heads and a white ring on the bill.
They build nests in dense emergent vegetation over water. Females lay 6–14 eggs and incubate for about 25–29 days. The nest is usually a well-concealed cup made of reeds and grass, offering strong cover for the brood.
Ring-necked Ducks dive for submerged seeds, tubers, and aquatic invertebrates. They’re versatile feeders and adapt to both natural wetlands and man-made reservoirs, switching between plant and animal matter based on availability.
Currently not under major threat, they benefit from general wetland protection. Ring-necked Ducks have adjusted well to human-altered landscapes, but wetland loss and pollution could pose future risks if not managed properly.
14. Redhead
- Scientific name: Aythya americana
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 42-49 cm (17-19 in)
- Weight: 850-1,600 g (1.9-3.5 lb)
- Wingspan: 76-84 cm (30-33 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and uncommon
- Migratory pattern: Heads north in early March.
This North American diving duck breeds in the northern prairies and winters in the southern U.S. and Mexico. Males are characterized by a round, red head, black chest, and gray body, while females are uniformly brown with a pale face. Both sexes have a distinctive bluish bill with a black tip.
Redheads often lay their eggs in over-water nests built into marsh vegetation. Sometimes, they parasitize other ducks’ nests. Females typically lay 7–10 eggs and incubate them for about 24 days.
Diving below the surface, they eat aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates. Redheads prefer shallow marshes and lakes, feeding in both open water and among submerged vegetation during migration and breeding seasons.
Wetland degradation once hurt Redhead numbers, but restoration efforts have helped. Protecting breeding grounds and migration stopovers remains vital. Conservation programs focus on limiting marsh drainage and supporting native vegetation growth where they feed and nest.
15. Bufflehead
- Scientific name: Bucephala albeola
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Size: 32-40 cm (13-16 in)
- Weight: 270-550 g (9.5-19.4 oz)
- Wingspan: 46-54 cm (18-21 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and uncommon
- Migratory pattern: Departs in late February or early March.
This small diving duck breeds in North America’s boreal forests and winters along coasts and inland waters. Males are striking with a large white patch on the back of their iridescent green and purple head, contrasting with a white body and dark back. Females are gray-brown with a distinctive white cheek patch.
Buffleheads nest in tree cavities, often in old woodpecker holes, especially from Northern Flickers. Females lay 6–11 eggs and incubate for about 30 days. They prefer secluded lakes and ponds near northern forests for nesting, returning to the same sites year after year.
They dive for aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks in freshwater lakes and coastal areas. Unlike dabbling ducks, they feed underwater, surfacing briefly before diving again. They’re quick and agile, often foraging in deeper water than many similarly sized ducks.
Bufflehead populations remain stable due to their reliance on boreal forest nesting sites. Conservation focuses on preserving northern forests and limiting logging near key nesting habitats. Protecting these areas helps ensure continued breeding success and healthy wintering populations in the southern U.S.
16. Ruddy Duck
- Scientific name: Oxyura jamaicensis
- Life span: 6-8 years
- Size: 36-43 cm (14-17 in)
- Weight: 430-790 g (0.95-1.74 lb)
- Wingspan: 61-74 cm (24-29 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and uncommon
- Migratory pattern: Leaves Arkansas around late February.
Native to North America, the Ruddy Duck breeds in the prairie pothole region and winters in wetlands across the U.S. and Mexico. Breeding males are notable for their bright chestnut bodies, sky-blue bills, and stiff, upright tails. Females and non-breeding males are mottled brown with a subtle face pattern and dark caps.
Ruddy Ducks build nests in dense marshes, anchoring them to emergent vegetation. Females lay 5–10 eggs and incubate for about 23–26 days. The nests are well-hidden in cattails or bulrushes, offering safety from predators and weather.
These diving ducks feed mainly on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and seeds. Their stiff tails and strong legs help them manoeuvre underwater, where they spend much of their foraging time in shallow wetlands and lakes.
Ruddy Ducks have benefited from wetland conservation efforts, especially in the prairie pothole region. Continued habitat preservation is important, particularly in areas vulnerable to agricultural development and drought-related water loss.
17. Canvasback
- Scientific name: Aythya valisineria
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 48-56 cm (19-22 in)
- Weight: 1,270-1,800 g (2.8-4 lb)
- Wingspan: 84-89 cm (33-35 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and uncommon
- Migratory pattern: Migrates north by early March.
Inhabiting North America’s prairie pothole region during breeding and migrating to coastal bays in winter, the Canvasback is recognized by its sloping profile. Males have a reddish-brown head, black chest, and white body, while females are pale brown with a darker head. Both sexes have red eyes and a long, black bill.
Canvasbacks build floating nests over marsh vegetation in prairie wetlands. Females lay 5–12 eggs, incubating for about 24 days. The floating platform is well-hidden among cattails or reeds, providing protection from land-based predators and human disturbance.
They’re diving ducks that mainly eat aquatic plants like wild celery, along with snails and insects. Their long neck and wedge-shaped head make them especially suited for reaching vegetation underwater during deep dives.
Historically overhunted, Canvasbacks have seen recovery thanks to hunting regulations and wetland protection. Prairie pothole conservation is essential for breeding success, as habitat loss continues to be a long-term threat for this species and others with similar nesting needs.
18. Greater Scaup
- Scientific name: Aythya marila
- Life span: 10-20 years
- Size: 41-51 cm (16-20 in)
- Weight: 900-1,600 g (2-3.5 lb)
- Wingspan: 81-87 cm (32-34 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory pattern: Leaves Arkansas by early March.
Breeding in Alaska and northern Canada, Greater Scaup winter along U.S. coasts and large lakes. Males have bright white sides, a greenish-black head, and a darker back. Females are brown with a white patch by the bill. Compared to Lesser Scaup, they have rounder heads and are slightly bulkier.
Greater Scaup nest on tundra and boreal wetlands, often near shallow ponds. Females lay 6–13 eggs, with incubation lasting about 24–28 days. They migrate long distances to reach northern nesting grounds from wintering sites in the U.S.
These diving ducks feed on mollusks, insects, and aquatic plants. In winter, they often gather in large rafts offshore, diving for prey in marine or estuarine waters and feeding near mussel beds and vegetation.
Greater Scaup numbers have declined slowly over time. Conservationists are monitoring climate effects and protecting Arctic and coastal habitats. Their long migrations make them vulnerable to habitat loss across multiple flyways.
19. Hooded Merganser
- Scientific name: Lophodytes cucullatus
- Life span: 6-12 years
- Size: 40-49 cm (16-19 in)
- Weight: 400-700 g (0.88-1.54 lb)
- Wingspan: 63-76 cm (25-30 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory pattern: Some stay year-round; others leave in spring.
Native to forested wetlands of eastern North America, the Hooded Merganser is known for its dramatic crest. Males have a black head with a bold white fan-shaped patch, chestnut sides, and fine black-and-white striping. Females are brownish with a tousled crest and subtle coloring, blending well into wooded shorelines.
These mergansers nest in tree cavities or nest boxes near freshwater. Females lay 6–12 eggs, incubating for about 32–37 days. Ducklings leap from the nest to the ground soon after hatching and follow the mother to water.
They eat small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans, diving and using their serrated bills to grasp slippery prey. They prefer clear, shallow streams and wooded wetlands where prey is easier to spot and capture.
Populations have grown with the help of nest box programs and clean water initiatives. Forest and wetland protection ensures that breeding and foraging habitats remain viable across their eastern U.S. range.
20. Common Goldeneye
- Scientific name: Bucephala clangula
- Life span: 6-12 years
- Size: 40-51 cm (16-20 in)
- Weight: 800-1,550 g (1.8-3.4 lb)
- Wingspan: 66-81 cm (26-32 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and uncommon
- Migratory pattern: Leaves by early March.
This diving duck breeds in the boreal forests of North America and winters along coastal and inland waters. Males have a dark green, glossy head with a distinctive white cheek patch, a black back, and white sides. Females are gray with a brown head and a yellow eye. Both sexes have a characteristic golden eye.
Goldeneyes nest in tree cavities near northern lakes and rivers. Females lay 6–12 eggs, incubating for around 30 days. They strongly prefer natural or artificial cavities and often return to the same tree or area annually.
Their diet includes aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans, and fish eggs. As expert divers, Goldeneyes hunt underwater in rivers and coastal bays, using keen eyesight to locate prey in dimly lit water.
Goldeneyes depend on mature forests for nesting. Logging and loss of cavity trees can limit breeding sites. Nest box programs and boreal forest conservation have played important roles in maintaining populations.
21. Common Merganser
- Scientific name: Mergus merganser
- Life span: 5-12 years
- Size: 22-25 in / 56-64 cm
- Weight: 2.2-3.1 lbs / 1.0-1.4 kg
- Wingspan: 26-30 in / 66-76 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory pattern: Rare, but those present leave by early March.
Widespread across North America, the Common Merganser breeds in the northern forests and winters on southern rivers and lakes. Males have a white body, dark green head, and narrow red bill. Females are gray with a reddish-brown head and a distinct shaggy crest. Both have clean, streamlined shapes for diving.
Common Mergansers nest in natural tree cavities or cliff ledges near large rivers or lakes. Females lay 6–17 eggs and incubate for around 30 days. Ducklings follow the mother to water shortly after hatching.
They’re excellent fish hunters, diving underwater and using their serrated bills to snatch fish. Clear, cold lakes and rivers are their preferred feeding grounds, though they’ll also eat insects and amphibians.
While stable, populations depend on clean rivers and undisturbed forests. Pollution, damming, and shoreline development are threats. Habitat conservation and water quality improvement projects help maintain healthy merganser populations.
Where to find Ducks in Arkansas
If you’re hoping to see ducks in Arkansas, you’re in luck—the state is full of great spots for duck watching. The key is to go where the water is. Ducks love lakes, rivers, swamps, and flooded fields, especially during migration seasons in the fall and spring. Early morning and late afternoon are usually the best times to catch them feeding or flying in. Bring a pair of binoculars, dress for the weather, and try to stay quiet—you’ll have a better chance of spotting them up close.
One top spot is Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area. It’s a huge flooded bottomland that attracts thousands of ducks each year. Cache River National Wildlife Refuge is another great place, with its mix of wetlands and forests.
For an easier, more family-friendly option, try Lake Conway, which has several access points and lots of waterfowl activity. Finally, Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge near the Arkansas River is perfect for seeing ducks in a more open landscape, especially during winter.
No matter where you go, bring a little patience and keep your eyes open—Arkansas’s ducks are out there, waiting to be discovered.
Conclusion
Arkansas is a rich haven for ducks, offering vital habitat for both migratory and resident species. From colourful dabblers to skilled divers, these birds bring life to the state’s wetlands and waterways year-round. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just enjoy a walk by the water, spotting ducks in Arkansas is always rewarding.
Protecting their habitats ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy these remarkable birds in one of their most important flyway stops.
