Ducks are a vibrant part of Colorado’s wildlife, bringing life and color to the state’s diverse water bodies. From the iconic Mallard to the striking Cinnamon Teal, these feathered residents and visitors create a fascinating spectacle across wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or a casual nature enthusiast, the sight of a Northern Pintail’s sleek profile or the dazzling iridescence of a Northern Shoveler is sure to captivate.
Colorado’s ducks not only enhance the state’s natural beauty but also play crucial roles in the ecosystem, contributing to the health of aquatic habitats. Discover the rich diversity of duck species that make Colorado a haven for these remarkable birds, each with its unique charm and ecological importance.
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
The Mallard, a staple in North American wetlands, boasts a vivid green head, a white ring around the neck, and a chestnut-brown chest for males, while females display a more subdued mottled brown plumage. These ducks are ubiquitous across the United States and Canada, thriving in ponds, lakes, and rivers.
Their year-round presence in many regions makes them one of the most easily recognizable and common ducks. Mallards are versatile and adapt well to various environments, including urban parks and rural wetlands, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.
Mallards are ground nesters, often choosing sites close to water bodies, hidden under vegetation or in tall grass. Females build the nest using plant material and down feathers plucked from their own bodies. They lay a large clutch of 8-13 eggs, which they incubate for about 28 days. Once hatched, the ducklings are led to water within 24 hours to start foraging, showing remarkable independence right from birth.
Mallards are dabbling ducks, feeding mainly at the water’s surface rather than diving. Their diet is omnivorous, including aquatic plants, seeds, insects, crustaceans, and small fish. They are adaptable feeders and can also forage on land, eating grains and small invertebrates. In urban areas, they are known to accept food from humans, making them a common sight in parks and ponds.
Mallards are among the most widespread and abundant duck species in North America, benefiting from a variety of conservation efforts aimed at preserving wetland habitats. Their population remains stable due to effective wildlife management and habitat conservation programs. Historically, they have been hunted for sport and food, leading to the establishment of hunting regulations to ensure sustainable populations.
2. 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
The Blue-winged Teal is a small, agile duck with a characteristic blue patch on its wings. Males are easily recognizable by their slate-blue heads and a white crescent in front of their eyes, while females have a more muted brown appearance.
These migratory ducks breed in the northern United States and Canada and winter in the southern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean. They prefer shallow freshwater habitats such as marshes and ponds, where they can often be seen dabbling close to the shoreline.
Blue-winged Teals prefer to nest in dense vegetation near shallow wetlands. The female constructs a nest on the ground, often hidden in tall grasses or reeds. She lays a clutch of 6-14 eggs and incubates them for about 24 days. These teals are early migrants, often departing their breeding grounds before many other waterfowl.
Blue-winged Teals have a diet primarily consisting of aquatic invertebrates and seeds. They forage in shallow water by dabbling, often tipping forward to reach food below the surface. During migration and winter, their diet includes more plant matter, such as seeds and vegetation, found in marshes and flooded fields.
Conservation efforts for Blue-winged Teals focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats. These efforts are crucial for maintaining their population, as habitat loss due to agriculture and development poses significant threats. Conservation organizations work to preserve migration corridors and breeding grounds to support healthy populations.
3. 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 common
The Bufflehead is a small, striking duck with males displaying a large, white patch on the back of their iridescent green-and-purple head, contrasted with a white body and black back. Females are more understated with a single white cheek patch and a gray-brown body. These ducks are found in wooded ponds and small lakes across North America.
They breed in the northern United States and Canada, often nesting in tree cavities. In winter, they migrate to coastal waters and larger inland lakes in the southern United States. Their vibrant appearance and rapid, direct flight make them a joy to observe.
Buffleheads are unique among ducks for their nesting behaviour, often using tree cavities created by Northern Flickers. They prefer nesting sites near freshwater bodies. The female lays 6-11 eggs and incubates them for about 28-33 days. Once hatched, the ducklings leave the nest quickly, demonstrating their early independence by jumping from the nest to the ground.
Buffleheads have a diverse diet, feeding on aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans, and small fish. They are agile divers, using their small size to maneuvers underwater efficiently. Their diet changes seasonally, with a greater emphasis on animal matter during the breeding season to meet their nutritional needs. They forage in both freshwater and coastal marine environments.
Conservation efforts for Buffleheads focus on preserving their nesting and foraging habitats. The provision of artificial nest boxes has been particularly beneficial, increasing their breeding success. Habitat loss and pollution are ongoing threats, making continued conservation work essential.
4. Cinnamon Teal
- Scientific name: Spatula cyanoptera
- Life span: 7-10 years
- Size: 15-16 in (38-41 cm)
- Weight: 12-15 oz (340-425 grams)
- Wingspan: 24-26 in (61-66 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
The Cinnamon Teal is named for the rich reddish-brown plumage of the males, making them one of the most striking ducks in North America. Females are more subdued with mottled brown feathers. These ducks are typically found in shallow freshwater wetlands in the western United States and Central America.
They breed in the western parts of the United States, including Colorado, and migrate to Central America for the winter. Their vibrant coloring and preference for marshy habitats make them a beautiful sight during birdwatching excursions.
Cinnamon Teals nest in dense vegetation near shallow wetlands, often in marshes or along pond edges. The female constructs a nest on the ground, lined with down feathers. She lays a clutch of 8-10 eggs and incubates them for about 21-25 days. These teals are known for their vibrant plumage, which helps them stand out during the breeding season.
Cinnamon Teals primarily feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. They forage by dabbling in shallow water, often seen tipping forward to reach food. During migration and winter, their diet includes more plant matter found in marshes and flooded fields. Their adaptability in foraging helps them thrive in various habitats.
Cinnamon Teals face threats from habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetlands, which are crucial for their breeding and foraging needs. Organizations work to preserve migration corridors and wintering grounds to support their populations. Historically, their striking plumage has made them a target for hunting and birdwatching.
5. 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
The Green-winged Teal is the smallest of the dabbling ducks, yet it stands out with its vibrant plumage. Males exhibit a rufous head with a distinctive green stripe running from the eye to the back of the head, while females are mottled brown.
These ducks are found throughout North America, breeding in the northern regions and migrating south to the United States and Central America for winter. Their fast, agile flight and the iridescent green speculum visible in flight make them a favorite among birdwatchers.
Green-winged Teals nest in dense cover near water, often in grasslands or shrubby areas. The female builds a nest on the ground, hidden by vegetation, and lines it with down. She lays 6-9 eggs and incubates them for about 21-23 days. These small ducks are known for their early nesting season, which helps them avoid predation.
Green-winged Teals feed primarily on seeds and aquatic invertebrates. They forage by dabbling in shallow water, often seen tipping forward to reach food. Their diet changes seasonally, with more plant matter consumed during migration and winter. They are often found in freshwater marshes and flooded fields where food is abundant.
Green-winged Teals benefit from wetland conservation efforts aimed at preserving their habitats. While their populations are currently stable, ongoing habitat destruction poses a threat. Conservation organizations focus on maintaining and restoring wetlands to ensure these ducks have suitable breeding and foraging grounds.
6. 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
The Northern Shoveler is easily identified by its distinctive spatula-shaped bill. Males are striking with their iridescent green heads, white chests, and rusty flanks, while females are mottled brown with large orange bills. These ducks inhabit shallow wetlands across North America.
They breed in the northern regions and migrate to the southern United States and Mexico for the winter. Their unique bill shape, adapted for sifting through the water for food, sets them apart from other dabbling ducks and makes them an interesting species to study.
Northern Shovelers typically nest in dense vegetation near shallow wetlands. The female builds a well-hidden nest on the ground, lined with down and plant material. She lays a clutch of 8-12 eggs and incubates them for about 24 days. Shovelers are known for their strong site fidelity, often returning to the same breeding areas year after year.
The Northern Shoveler’s diet primarily consists of aquatic invertebrates, which they filter from the water using their uniquely shaped, spoon-like bill. This specialized bill has comb-like structures that help sift out small crustaceans, insects, and seeds from the water. They are often seen swimming in circles to stir up food from the bottom.
Northern Shovelers have benefited from wetland conservation initiatives aimed at preserving their breeding and foraging habitats. While their populations are currently stable, continued efforts to protect wetland areas are essential. Historically, they have been less targeted by hunters compared to other duck species, which has helped maintain their numbers.
7. 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
The Ring-necked Duck is a medium-sized diving duck with a subtle but distinctive chestnut ring around its black neck, often hard to see. Males are primarily black and gray with a peaked head and a white ring on their bill, while females are brown with a delicate white eye ring.
These ducks breed in wooded lakes and ponds across northern North America and migrate to the southern United States for winter. Their unique appearance and preference for smaller, tree-lined bodies of water make them a fascinating species to watch.
Ring-necked Ducks are known for their unique nesting behaviour. They prefer wooded wetlands and often build their nests in dense vegetation near water. The female constructs a nest using grasses and down feathers, laying a clutch of 8-10 eggs. She incubates the eggs for about 25-29 days. These ducks are highly secretive about their nesting sites, which helps protect their eggs and ducklings from predators.
The diet of the Ring-necked Duck is quite varied, consisting of both plant and animal matter. They primarily feed on seeds, aquatic plants, and invertebrates. These ducks are adept divers, often seen foraging underwater in search of food. Their diet changes with the seasons, incorporating more animal matter like insects and small crustaceans during the breeding season to meet their nutritional needs.
Conservation efforts for Ring-necked Ducks focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats. These initiatives are crucial for maintaining their populations, which have been affected by habitat destruction and pollution. Organizations like the National Audubon Society and Ducks Unlimited work tirelessly to safeguard these vital areas. Historically, hunting pressures also impacted their numbers, leading to the implementation of protective regulations to ensure their survival.
8. Barrow’s Goldeneye
- Scientific name: Bucephala islandica
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Size: 15-18 in / 38-46 cm
- Weight: 1.3-2.0 lbs / 600-900 g
- Wingspan: 24-30 in / 61-76 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
Barrow’s Goldeneye is a striking duck with males showcasing a purplish-black head with a crescent-shaped white patch in front of the eye, contrasted by their white body and black back. Females have a yellow-orange bill and a more subdued brown head.
This species breeds in the mountain lakes and ponds of western North America, including parts of Alaska and Canada, and migrates to coastal waters and larger lakes for the winter. Barrow’s Goldeneye is rarer than the Common Goldeneye, making sightings particularly special for bird enthusiasts.
Barrow’s Goldeneyes nest in tree cavities or rock crevices near lakes and rivers. They often use abandoned woodpecker holes or nest boxes provided by conservationists. The female lays a clutch of 6-12 eggs and incubates them for about 28-32 days. These ducks are known for their strong site fidelity, often returning to the same nesting area annually.
Barrow’s Goldeneyes are diving ducks, primarily feeding on aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and crustaceans. They forage by diving underwater, using their powerful legs and webbed feet. During the breeding season, they focus on animal prey, while in winter, they consume more plant material, including seeds and aquatic vegetation.
Barrow’s Goldeneyes have benefited from conservation efforts aimed at preserving their natural habitats and providing artificial nesting sites. Their populations are relatively stable, but they face threats from habitat loss and pollution. Conservation organizations focus on protecting their breeding and wintering areas to ensure their continued survival.
9. Common Merganser
- Scientific name: Mergus merganser
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 22-28 in (56-71 cm)
- Weight: 2-4 lbs (0.9-1.8 kg)
- Wingspan: 26-29 in (66-74 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Common Merganser is a large, elegant duck with males featuring a dark green head, white body, and black back, while females have a rusty head and gray body. These ducks inhabit rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across North America.
They breed in the northern United States and Canada, often nesting in tree cavities or nest boxes near water. In winter, they migrate to unfrozen lakes and rivers in the southern United States. Known for their excellent diving ability, Common Mergansers are often seen hunting fish in clear waters.
Common Mergansers prefer nesting in tree cavities near rivers and lakes, often using natural hollows or abandoned woodpecker nests. The female lays between 6 and 17 eggs and incubates them for about 28-35 days. Once hatched, the ducklings are quickly led to water, where they begin foraging. These birds show a strong preference for clear, fast-flowing waters, which provide a safe environment for raising their young.
Common Mergansers are primarily piscivorous, feeding on a diet mainly composed of fish. They are skilled divers, using their streamlined bodies to chase fish underwater. Besides fish, they also consume aquatic invertebrates and amphibians. Their diet varies depending on the season and availability of prey, but their preference for fish remains constant throughout the year.
Conservation efforts for Common Mergansers focus on protecting their freshwater habitats, particularly rivers and lakes with abundant fish populations. Pollution and habitat destruction pose significant threats to their populations. Conservation organizations work to maintain clean waterways and preserve riparian habitats. Historically, their numbers have been stable, but continued efforts are necessary to address ongoing environmental challenges.
10. Long-tailed Duck
- Scientific name: Clangula hyemalis
- Life span: 6-12 years
- Size: 43-58 cm (17-23 in)
- Weight: 430-1,160 g (0.95-2.6 lb)
- Wingspan: 61-84 cm (24-33 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
The Long-tailed Duck is a small, agile sea duck known for the males’ long, slender tail feathers. Their plumage changes with the seasons; males have striking black and white patterns in winter, which turn mostly black in summer.
Females are more muted but still show a distinct pattern. These ducks breed in the high Arctic and migrate to coastal waters in the northern United States and Canada for winter. Their unique appearance and acrobatic diving make them a highlight for birdwatchers along the coasts.
Long-tailed Ducks nest in the Arctic tundra, often choosing sites near freshwater ponds or streams. The female builds a shallow nest on the ground, lined with plant material and down. She lays 6-8 eggs and incubates them for about 24-30 days. These ducks prefer remote, undisturbed areas for nesting, providing safety from predators and harsh weather.
Long-tailed Ducks have a varied diet that changes with the seasons. During the breeding season, they feed primarily on aquatic invertebrates, including insects and crustaceans. In winter, they switch to a diet dominated by mollusks, small fish, and crustaceans, diving to impressive depths to find their prey. Their ability to forage in both freshwater and marine environments showcases their adaptability.
Conservation of Long-tailed Ducks focuses on protecting their Arctic breeding grounds and coastal wintering habitats. Climate change poses a significant threat to their populations, affecting both their nesting and feeding areas. Conservation organizations work to mitigate these impacts through habitat preservation and research.
11. 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
The Northern Pintail is a sleek, elegant duck known for its long, pointed tail feathers. Males feature a chocolate-brown head, white neck, and grayish body, while females are more camouflaged with mottled brown feathers. These migratory birds are found across North America, particularly in open wetlands and marshes.
During the breeding season, they migrate to northern regions, including Canada and Alaska, and travel to the southern United States and Central America for the winter. Their graceful appearance and distinctive silhouette in flight make them a delight to observe.
Northern Pintails prefer open, grassy habitats for nesting, often far from water. The female selects a well-concealed site, usually a shallow scrape lined with grass and down. She lays 7-9 eggs and incubates them for about 23-24 days. Pintails are known for their early nesting season, often starting as soon as the ice begins to thaw in spring.
Northern Pintails have a varied diet consisting of aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. They forage by dabbling in shallow waters or grazing on land. During migration and winter, their diet shifts to include more grains and agricultural crops, which are abundant in their wintering grounds. This adaptability helps them thrive across different environments.
Northern Pintails have faced population declines due to habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices. Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring wetlands and grasslands, which are critical for breeding and foraging. Organizations like Ducks Unlimited work to protect these habitats, ensuring pintail populations remain healthy and sustainable.
12. 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: Vulnerable
- State status: Migratory and common
The Canvasback is a large, distinctive duck with males featuring a reddish-brown head, black chest, and white body. Females are light brown with a more muted coloration. These ducks breed in the prairie potholes of the northern United States and Canada and migrate to coastal bays and larger inland lakes in the southern United States for winter. Known for their sloping profile and long neck, Canvasbacks are powerful swimmers and divers, often seen in flocks on open water.
Canvasbacks are fascinating in their choice of nesting sites, preferring dense emergent vegetation over shallow waters. The female constructs a floating nest anchored to vegetation, which provides stability and protection from predators. She lays between 7 and 10 eggs and incubates them for about 24-29 days.
Remarkably, canvasbacks exhibit strong site fidelity, often returning to the same breeding grounds year after year, ensuring the safety and consistency of their nesting environment.
Canvasbacks are primarily herbivorous, with a diet that mainly includes aquatic plants. During the breeding season, they feast on submerged vegetation like wild celery, which is particularly abundant in their habitat. However, their diet is flexible and can also include invertebrates and small fish, especially during migration and winter. This adaptability in their feeding habits allows them to thrive in various environments throughout the year.
Canvasbacks have faced significant challenges due to habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts have been focused on preserving and restoring their wetland habitats, which are crucial for their breeding and feeding.
Organizations such as Ducks Unlimited have been instrumental in these efforts, working to ensure sustainable populations. Historically, canvasbacks were heavily hunted, leading to strict regulations to protect their numbers.
13. 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: Migratory and common
The Hooded Merganser is a small, striking duck with males displaying a dramatic black-and-white fan-shaped crest and elaborate plumage. Females are more subdued with a brown crest and body. These ducks are found in wooded ponds and rivers across North America.
They breed in the northern United States and southern Canada, nesting in tree cavities near water. During the winter, they migrate to the southern United States. Their unique crest and agile diving skills make them a captivating species for birdwatchers.
Hooded Mergansers exhibit intriguing nesting behaviour, often choosing tree cavities near water bodies. They are one of the few duck species that nest in trees, sometimes using abandoned woodpecker holes. The female lays 7-15 eggs and incubates them for about 29-37 days. Once hatched, the ducklings leave the nest within 24 hours, demonstrating remarkable agility by jumping from heights to the ground below.
Hooded Mergansers have a specialized diet that primarily consists of small fish, which they catch with their serrated bills. They are excellent divers, using their keen eyesight to hunt underwater. In addition to fish, they also consume amphibians, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Their diet is closely tied to their habitat, often reflecting the availability of prey in their immediate environment.
The conservation of Hooded Mergansers focuses on preserving their unique nesting and foraging habitats. Wetland conservation and the protection of mature forests with suitable nesting cavities are critical. These ducks have benefited from the provision of artificial nest boxes, which help increase their breeding success. Historically, their populations were stable, but ongoing conservation efforts are essential to mitigate habitat loss and ensure their continued presence in the wild.
14. Red-breasted Merganser
- Scientific name: Mergus serrator
- Life span: 9-14 years
- Size: 54-62 cm (21-24 in)
- Weight: 700-1,600 g (1.5-3.5 lb)
- Wingspan: 66-81 cm (26-32 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
The Red-breasted Merganser is a sleek, distinctive duck with males showcasing a spiky crest, green head, and reddish breast, while females have a more subdued brownish head and gray body. These ducks are found in coastal and inland waters across North America.
They breed in the northern regions, including Canada and Alaska, and migrate to the coastal waters of the United States for winter. Known for their speed and agility, Red-breasted Mergansers are skilled divers, often seen chasing fish underwater.
Red-breasted Mergansers typically nest on the ground, often choosing sites close to water and hidden under vegetation or rocks. The female builds a simple nest lined with down, where she lays 5-12 eggs. Incubation lasts about 29-35 days. These birds prefer coastal environments for nesting, utilizing the protection offered by dense cover and proximity to feeding areas.
Red-breasted Mergansers are primarily fish-eaters, using their serrated bills to catch and hold slippery prey. They are adept divers, hunting in both freshwater and marine environments. Their diet also includes crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects. The availability of these prey items influences their distribution, particularly during the breeding season when food demands are high.
Conservation efforts for Red-breasted Mergansers focus on protecting their coastal and freshwater habitats. Pollution and habitat disturbance are major threats to their populations. Efforts to maintain clean water and preserve nesting areas are crucial. Historically, their populations have been relatively stable, but ongoing conservation measures are essential to ensure their continued survival, especially in regions facing significant environmental pressures.
15. 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: Breeding and common
The Redhead duck is easily recognized by the males’ vibrant cinnamon-red head, black breast, and gray body. Females are more modestly coloured in shades of brown. These ducks inhabit marshes, lakes, and ponds across North America.
They breed in the prairie pothole region of the northern United States and Canada and migrate to the southern United States and Mexico for winter. Their striking appearance and preference for deeper waters where they dive for food make them an intriguing species to observe.
Redheads prefer nesting in dense emergent vegetation over shallow water. The female builds a floating nest anchored to vegetation, providing safety from predators. She lays 7-10 eggs and incubates them for about 23-29 days. Redheads often engage in brood parasitism, laying eggs in the nests of other ducks, which helps increase their reproductive success.
Redheads primarily feed on aquatic plants, particularly during the breeding season. They also consume invertebrates and small fish, especially during migration and winter. As diving ducks, they forage underwater, using their strong legs and webbed feet to reach food in deeper waters. Their diet varies depending on availability and season.
Conservation efforts for Redheads focus on preserving and restoring wetland habitats, crucial for their breeding and foraging. Wetland drainage and degradation pose significant threats to their populations. Organizations like Ducks Unlimited work to protect these habitats, ensuring sustainable populations. Historically, hunting regulations have also played a role in maintaining their numbers.
16. 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 common
The Common Goldeneye is a striking diving duck with a distinctive bright yellow eye. Males have a dark green head, a circular white patch on their cheek, and a black-and-white body, while females have a chocolate-brown head and gray body.
These migratory ducks breed in the northern forests of Canada and Alaska and winter along the coasts and large inland lakes of the United States. They are often seen in large flocks, diving for food in deeper waters, and are known for their rapid wingbeats and agile flight.
Common Goldeneyes nest in tree cavities, often using abandoned woodpecker holes. They prefer nesting sites close to water bodies like lakes and rivers. The female lays a clutch of 6-12 eggs and incubates them for about 28-32 days. Once hatched, the ducklings are led to water shortly after, where they begin feeding independently.
Common Goldeneyes are diving ducks, feeding primarily on aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and crustaceans. They forage by diving underwater, using their strong legs and feet to propel themselves. Their diet varies seasonally, with more plant matter consumed during the winter months when animal prey is less available.
Common Goldeneyes benefit from forest and wetland conservation efforts aimed at preserving their nesting and foraging habitats. They have a stable population, supported by initiatives to protect tree cavities and maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems. Historically, they have been less affected by hunting due to their preference for remote habitats.
Where to find Ducks in Colorado
Finding ducks in Colorado is a delightful adventure, perfect for both seasoned birdwatchers and curious newcomers. To embark on this journey, grab your binoculars, a field guide, and head to one of Colorado’s rich waterfowl habitats. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times for duck spotting, as these hours offer the best light and most active birds.
- Barr Lake State Park is a fantastic spot, just northeast of Denver. This park is home to a variety of ducks throughout the year, making it an excellent place for birdwatching. Stroll along the nature trails or settle into one of the observation blinds for an up-close view of species like the Northern Shoveler and Green-winged Teal.
- Chatfield Reservoir, located southwest of Denver, is another hotspot. Its extensive shoreline and wetlands attract a diverse array of ducks, including the striking Hooded Merganser. Kayaking or hiking along the trails can offer spectacular views.
- San Luis Valley offers high-altitude wetlands teeming with birdlife. Here, you might spot the vibrant Cinnamon Teal. Visit the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge for the best sightings.
- John Martin Reservoir, in southeastern Colorado, is a hidden gem. This large reservoir and surrounding wetlands host numerous species, including the rare Long-tailed Duck during migration seasons.
Conclusion
Ducks in Colorado add vibrant life to the state’s wetlands, rivers, and lakes. From the striking Cinnamon Teal to the agile Bufflehead, each species contributes uniquely to the ecosystem. Conservation efforts ensure these beautiful birds continue to thrive, providing endless opportunities for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to enjoy their presence throughout the year.
