The 34 Types Of Ducks In Florida And Where To Find Them

Florida offers excellent birding opportunities in the range of habitats that the state possesses. In the south of the state, the climate is subtropical, and many rare bird species that do not occur elsewhere in the United States are attracted to the area.

The state holds many protected areas that are excellent birding locations. The total number of birds seen in the state is close to 550 species. Included in that number is a large diversity of ducks that belong to the Anatidae family.

The 34 duck species in Florida often show extensive sexual dimorphism, with the males usually having beautiful, intricately patterned plumage and the females being dull or brownish. Many species have distinct plumages that change according to the season, from breeding to winter plumages and eclipse states.

Ducks occur all over the state from south Florida to the north. The following are the 34 species of wild ducks in Florida, with short descriptions for identification of Florida duck species in their breeding plumages and places where to find them.

These Are The 34 Ducks That You Can See In Florida

1. Mallard

• Scientific name – Anas platyrhynchos
• Lifespan – 27 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 19.7 to 25.6 in (50 to 65 cm)
• Weight – 26.5 to 56.4 oz (750 to 1600 g)
• Wingspan – 29.5 to 39.4 in (75 to 100 cm)
• Status – Least concern

Mallard males have a distinct shiny green head, a yellow beak, a thin white collar, a dark grey back, a brownish-white belly, a purply-brown breast and a black lower back. The upper wing is grey with a blue speculum and a white border, while the underwings are whitish.

The female is brown overall with dark brown-edged feathers. The speculum is blue with a white border. The beak is primarily grey with a wash of orange.

Mallards are found across the state all year round. This common species can be seen in almost any water body, such as those in city parks and wetlands, but a location worth visiting is Fort De Soto Park.

2. Ring-necked Duck

• Scientific name – Aythya collaris
• Lifespan – 20 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 15.3 to 18.1 in (39 to 46 cm)
• Weight – 17.3 to 32.1 oz (490 to 910 g)
• Wingspan – 24.4 to 24.8 in (62 to 63 cm)
• Status – Least concern

Male Ring-necked Ducks have black upper parts. The breast is black, with a white crescent on the border leading to the white underparts. The head is dark and iridescent. The flanks are greyish, and the secondaries are pale. The eyes are golden-yellow.

The female has a dark brown back, light brown flanks and a white belly. The eyes are brown, and a whitish eye ring is present.

This species is very common in winter but can be seen year-round in areas. They are found in ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers and bays at locations such as Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

3. Ruddy Duck

• Scientific name – Oxyura jamaicensis
• Lifespan – 13 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 13.8 to 16.9 in (35 to 43 cm)
• Weight – 10.6 to 30 oz (300 to 850 g)
• Wingspan – 22.1 to 24.4 in (56 to 62 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Ruddy Duck has a chestnut body, a black crown, a black nape, white cheeks and a blue bill. The underside is chestnut, with white streaks on the belly. The underwings are white.

The female is brown with rufous tints. The head is a whitish colour with a brown stripe on the side of the head, with some streaking and a dark brown crown.

This species is common in the bays and ponds of Florida. They occur mainly during winter, but some remain year-round. They can be seen at Everglades National Park.

4. Mottled Duck

• Scientific name – Anas fulvigula
• Lifespan – 13 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 18.5 to 22.5 in (46.9 to 57.2 cm)
• Weight – 24.7 to 43.8 oz (699 to 1241 g)
• Wingspan – 31.5 to 34.3 in (80 to 87.2 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The Mottled Duck shows little sexual dimorphism, with both sexes having a dark buff-brown body and a pale buff head. The back and flanks have brown streaks. The crown is dark brown, and a dark brown line extends through the eye. The underwings are white, and the speculum is dark blue with a dark border.

The two sexes differ slightly, with the male having a yellow beak, while the female’s beak is black with an orange tip. The female is also darker than the male overall.

This species is very common in Florida all year round. They occur in wetlands and coastal areas and can be located at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

5. Wood Duck

• Scientific name – Aix sponsa
• Lifespan – 22 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 18.5 to 21.3 in (47 to 54 cm)
• Weight – 16 to 30.4 oz (454 to 862 g)
• Wingspan – 26 to 28.7 in (66 to 73 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Wood Duck has complex iridescent green plumage on the head and back, a chestnut chest and lower neck and bold markings throughout the body. The head is distinctly crested. The belly and throat are white, while the underwings are grey. The flanks are buff. The eye is bright red, and the bill is white and red.

The female is primarily brown with a greyish head. The breast has white specks. A white eye ring that tapers off behind the eye is present. The speculum is dark blue with a white edge.

This common species remains in the state throughout the year in wetlands and flooded woodland. They are found at Myakka River State Park, amongst many other sites.

6. Northern Pintail

• Scientific name – Anas acuta
• Lifespan – 22 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 20.1 to 29.9 in (51 to 76 cm)
• Weight – 17.6 to 51.1 oz (500 to 1450 g)
• Wingspan – 31.5 to 37.4 in (80 to 95 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Northern Pintail looks elegant with its dark brown head and neck, as well as the white neckband that expands into the white breast and undersides. The upper side is primarily grey with a green speculum and a white rear border. The undertail feathers and long tail are dark. The bill is light blue.

The female is light brown with a tan-coloured head and dark and white mottling on the rest of the body. The speculum is brownish-bronze. The bill is dark.

This species is common in Florida and typically only occurs during winter. They occur at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge in lakes, wetlands, estuaries, salt marshes and bays.

7. Blue-winged Teal

• Scientific name – Spatula discors
• Lifespan – 23 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 14.2 to 16.1 in (36 to 41 cm)
• Weight – 8.1 to 19.2 oz (230 to 545 g)
• Wingspan – 22.1 to 24.4 in (56 to 62 cm)
• Status – Least concern

Male Blue-winged Teals have a reddish-brown belly, breast and flanks with spots. The head and neck are dark grey, the throat and crown are black, and a white crescent is visible between the eye and the bill. The upper side is dark brown with streaking. The upper wing has white patches and a green speculum.

The female is primarily brown with dark streaks on the head and a dark brown crown. The upper side is dark brown with pale feather tips. The underparts are buff with brown speckling. The upper wing shows a green speculum and a blue-grey patch.

This species is extremely common and occurs all over the state. It may be seen throughout the year but is more abundant in winter. They can be seen in wetlands and marshes at places such as Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

8. Green-winged Teal

• Scientific name – Anas crecca
• Lifespan – 20 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 12.2 to 15.3 in (31 to 39 cm)
• Weight – 4.9 to 17.6 oz (140 to 500 g)
• Wingspan – 20.5 to 23.2 in (52 to 59 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Green-winged Teal has grey upper parts with a brown wash. The wings are grey with a green speculum. The head is a cinnamon colour with a green band above the eye extending down the neck. The breast is yellowish-white with brown spots and a white vertical line on each side. The belly is white, and the flanks and underwings are grey.

The female is brown overall, with pale brown mottling on the back. The head and neck are light brown, and a black stripe extends through the eye. The throat and underparts are whitish. The speculum is green.

The Green-winged Teal is a common species that occurs in wetlands, marshes, bays and rivers in winter almost exclusively. They are found at Myakka River State Park, amongst other locations.

9. Northern Shoveler

• Scientific name – Spatula clypeata
• Lifespan – 16 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 17.3 to 20.1 in (44 to 51 cm)
• Weight – 14.1 to 28.9 oz (400 to 820 g)
• Wingspan – 27.2 to 33.1 in (69 to 84 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Northern Shoveler has a huge dark beak and yellow or orange eyes. They have a green head, a black back, a greyish-blue shoulder patch, a green speculum, and a white stripe on the upper wing. The belly and flanks are chestnut coloured, the breast is white, and the vent is blackish.

Females are brown overall, with dark mottling and a blue wing patch.

This is a common species seen throughout the state. It remains all year round, but numbers increase during winter. They are found in wetlands, salt marshes, lakes, ponds and estuaries at sites like Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

10. Black-bellied Whistling-duck

• Scientific name – Dendrocygna autumnalis
• Lifespan – 10 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 18.5 to 22 in (47 to 56 cm)
• Weight – 23 to 36 oz (652 to 1020 g)
• Wingspan – 30 to 37 in (76 to 94 cm)
• Status – Least concern

Black-bellied Whistling-duck males and females are similar in appearance, mainly having brown upper parts, a black belly, black flanks, and a tawny-brown lower neck and chest. The underwings are blackish, and the upper wing has a white patch. The upper neck and head are grey, with a brown crown. The beak is pinkish-red, and a white eye ring is visible.

This species is very common in Florida and can be seen in many locations within the state. They are resident in the state and particularly common in summer when they are usually most abundant. They occur in marshes, lakes, rice fields and swamps. One of the locations where they are found is Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

11. Fulvous Whistling-duck

• Scientific name – Dendrocygna bicolor
• Lifespan – 11 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 17.7 to 20.8 in (45 to 53 cm)
• Weight – 25.1 to 37 oz (712 to 1050 g)
• Wingspan – 33.4 to 36.6 in (85 to 93 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The Fulvous Whistling-duck male has a dark back with barring, black upper wings, and a buffy orange head and undersides. The bill is blue-grey. The flanks are streaked white, and the underwings are dark. The rump has a unique white “U”, and the neck has greyish streaks with whitish spots.

The female looks very similar to the male but has a more blackish crown and rear neck.

This species is relatively common in Florida – occurring throughout the year. They are found in ponds, marshes, and rice fields. A good location for finding this species is Lake Apopka.

12. Redhead

• Scientific name – Aythya americana
• Lifespan – 20 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 16.5 to 21.3 in (42 to 54 cm)
• Weight – 22.2 to 52.9 oz (630 to 1500 g)
• Wingspan – 29.5 to 31.1 in (75 to 79 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Redhead has a grey body with a darker back. The breast and lower neck are black, and the belly and the underwing are white. The upper neck and head are chestnut-red. The beak is light blue with a black tip, and the eyes are yellow-orange.

The female has a greyish-brown back and flanks. The wings are brownish-grey. The breast is brown, and the belly is white. The head and neck are yellowish-brown, and the crown is darker brown. The eyes are yellowish-brown, surrounded by a pale eye ring.

This is a common species in Florida that usually only occurs in winter but may be present throughout the year. Their favoured habitat is bays and lakes. They are found at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, amongst other locations.

13. Lesser Scaup

• Scientific name – Aythya affinis
• Lifespan – 18 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 15.3 to 18.1 in (39 to 46 cm)
• Weight – 16 to 38.4 oz (454 to 1089 g)
• Wingspan – 26.8 to 30.7 in (68 to 78 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Lesser Scaup has a white belly and flanks. The neck, upper mantle, breast, tail and vent are black. The back is grey with black and white barring. The upper wing is dark with a broad white wing bar. The head is dark and iridescent. The beak is light blue with a black tip, and the eyes are yellow.

The female has a brown body with pale flanks. The upper wing has a prominent white wing bar. The head is usually dark brown, with a white patch at the base of the bill. The bill is blue-grey with a black tip. The eyes are deep yellow.

This is a common species that migrates to the state for winter. Some birds do remain year-round. They occur in many habitats, including wetlands, bays, lakes and ponds. They are found at Bald Point State Park, amongst other sites.

14. Hooded Merganser

• Scientific name – Lophodytes cucullatus
• Lifespan – 14 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 15.8 to 19.3 in (40 to 49 cm)
• Weight – 16 to 31 oz (453 to 879 g)
• Wingspan – 23.6 to 26.0 in (60 to 66 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Hooded Merganser has black upper parts. The breast and belly are white, and the upper wing is blackish. The crest is rounded and white with a black border. Black and white stripes are present on the sides of the breast, and the flanks are reddish-grey. The head is black with a large white patch on the sides.

The female has brownish-grey plumage, which is paler below and darker above. The beak is dark with a yellowish base, and the eyes are yellow. The crest is a reddish-brown colour.

This is a common species that usually only occurs during winter in Florida. They are found on calm rivers, lakes and ponds. One of the excellent birding sites for finding this species is Fort De Soto Park.

15. Red-breasted Merganser

• Scientific name – Mergus serrator
• Lifespan – 9 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 20.1 to 25.2 in (51 to 64 cm)
• Weight – 28.2 to 47.6 oz (800 to 1350 g)
• Wingspan – 26 to 29.1 in (66 to 74 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Red-breasted Merganser has a black back, mantle and hind neck. The neck has white stripes on either side. The upper wing is black and white, and a large white wing patch with black tips is seen. A reddish breast band with black mottling is present. The underparts are white, and the flanks are grey with black lines. A white collar is visible on the neck. The head and upper neck are dark and glossy green. The prominent crest is dark green. The eyes are red, and the slender bill is orange-red.

The female is grey-brown overall with a reddish-brown neck and head and a whitish breast. The upper wing is less white than the male’s and has some grey. The beak and eyes are a dull red.

This common species is mainly found in the state during winter and autumn but may be seen in areas during summer and spring. They are located at locations that include Everglades National Park, where they occur along rivers, on the ocean, and on lakes.

16. Bufflehead

• Scientific name – Bucephala albeola
• Lifespan – 18 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 12.6 to 15.8 in (32 to 40 cm)
• Weight – 9.6 to 22.4 oz (272 to 635 g)
• Wingspan (average) – 21.6 in (55 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Buffleheads have bright white underparts. The upper parts are primarily black. The upper wing is black with a white wing bar, and the underwing is dark. The head is also black with a greeny-purple sheen. A white patch is present from the crown to the nape.

The female is brown overall, with a darker brown head and a white oval patch on the ears. The back and tail are blackish-brown. The upper wing is brownish-grey with some white. The belly and breast are whitish.

This is a common species that visits the state during winter. They inhabit lakes, estuaries and bays. They are found at Gulf Islands National Seashore and similar areas.

17. Gadwall

• Scientific name – Mareca strepera
• Lifespan – 19 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 18.1 to 22.4 in (46 to 57 cm)
• Weight – 17.6 to 44.1 oz (500 to 1250 g)
• Wingspan – 30.7 to 33.4 in (78 to 85 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Gadwall is grey-brown overall with a hint of chestnut. The breast is scaled in black, the belly is white, and the rump is black. The mantle, flanks and back are grey. The wings have a white speculum, and the upper wing is chestnut, black, and grey. The underwing is whitish.

The female has brown plumage that is mottled with buff. The speculum is white, and the feathers are dark-edged.

They are common and can be found in wetlands, bays and ponds during winter when birds migrate south from breeding grounds. They can be found at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

18. Canvasback

• Scientific name – Aythya valisineria
• Lifespan – 22 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 18.9 to 22.1 in (48 to 56 cm)
• Weight – 30.4 to 56 oz (862 to 1588 g)
• Wingspan – 31.1 to 35 in (79 to 89 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Canvasback has a white belly, a grey back, grey flanks and a black chest. The upper wing is white, while the underwing is grey. The neck and head are chestnut-coloured.

The female is dull greyish-brown overall with a white belly, pale brown back and a reddish-brown chest, neck and head.

The Canvasback occurs in the state during winter and is relatively common. They inhabit rivers, ponds, estuaries, lakes and marshes. An excellent location to look for this species is Lake Apopka.

19. Black Scoter

• Scientific name – Melanitta americana
• Lifespan – 10 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 16.9 to 19.3 in (43 to 49 cm)
• Weight – 30.4 to 38.8 oz (862 to 1100 g)
• Wingspan – 27.6 to 28.4 in (70 to 72 cm)
• Status – Near-threatened

The male Black Scoter is almost entirely black with a glossy violet or blue sheen on the upper parts. The underparts have a green gloss. The flight feathers on the underwing have pale webbing. The bill is dark, with an orange knob on the upper mandible.

The female has a brown body, a dark brown crown and a pale cheek. The bill is blackish-brown with some yellow.

This species is relatively common at sea along the coastlines of Florida during winter, but some individuals are present throughout the year. They are found at locations like Honeymoon Island State Park.

20. American Wigeon

• Scientific name – Mareca americana
• Lifespan – 21 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 16.5 to 23.2 in (42 to 59 cm)
• Weight – 19.1 to 46.9 oz (540 to 1330 g)
• Wingspan – 29.9 to 35.8 in (76 to 91 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The American Wigeon males have a cinnamon-brown breast and flanks. White side-rump patches are present, and the belly is white. The head is brownish-grey with a white crown and a green band at the rear of the eye. The beak is pale blue-ish grey with a black tip. A white patch is present on the upper wing, and the underwings are also white. The speculum is green, and the tail area is black.

The female is light brown on the body, with a greyish-brown head and a dark eye patch. The beak is black-tipped and pale blueish-grey. The speculum is dark.

This is a common species in winter within the state. They occur in wetlands, lakes and fields. Myakka River State Park is a good location for finding this species.

21. Eurasian Wigeon

• Scientific name – Mareca penelope
• Lifespan – 33 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 16.5 to 20.4 in (42 to 52 cm)
• Weight – 17.6 to 37.8 oz (500 to 1073 g)
• Wingspan – 27.9 to 31.4 in (71 to 80 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Eurasian Wigeon has grey upper parts and flanks. A white patch is visible on the upper wing, and the speculum is green with a black outline. The upper breast and the sides of the breast are pinkish-grey. The belly and lower breast are white. The underwing is primarily whitish, with some brown mottling. The head is chestnut-coloured, and the crown is creamy-white or yellowish.

The female has rufous or grey upper parts and a whitish belly. The underwing is fawn-coloured, and pale marks are visible. The speculum is blackish.

The Eurasian Wigeon is a scarce vagrant from Eurasia that has been recorded at all times of the year. A good place to potentially find this species is Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in marshes, lakes, bays, estuaries and fields.

22. Common Goldeneye

• Scientific name – Bucephala clangula
• Lifespan – 20 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 15.8 to 20.1 in (40 to 51 cm)
• Weight – 21.2 to 45.9 oz (600 to 1300 g)
• Wingspan – 30.3 to 32.7 in (77 to 83 cm)
• Status – Least concern

Male Common Goldeneyes have a black back and rump. The tail is a greyish-brown colour. The underparts, sides, upper mantle and lower neck are all white. The upper wing is primarily black with a white window. The head is triangular and black with a glossy green sheen. A white patch is visible between the eye and the beak. The beak is black, and the eyes are golden or bright yellow.

The female has a greyish-brown body with white tips on the feathers. The head is brown, and a whitish neckband is present. The wings, back and tail, are slate grey with white edging. The bill and wing pattern resembles the male’s, and the eyes are pale yellow to white.

This is a relatively uncommon duck in Florida that only occurs during winter. They can be seen on lakes, rivers, bays and along coastlines. An excellent place to find this species is Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

23. Cinnamon Teal

• Scientific name – Spatula cyanoptera
• Lifespan – 10 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 15.1 to 16.9 in (38.4 to 42.8 cm)
• Weight – 11.8 to 14.1 oz (335 to 401 g)
• Wingspan – 21.3 to 22.4 in (54 to 57 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Cinnamon Teal has a bright cinnamon body and head. The upper wing has a blue patch, a green rear, and a white border at the back.

The female is brownish-grey overall with dark-edged feathers. A blue wing patch with a white border is visible on the upper wing.

This species is an uncommon winter visitor to the state. They may be observed at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, where habitats such as wetlands and marshes are located.

24. Greater Scaup

• Scientific name – Aythya marila
• Lifespan – 20 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 15.3 to 22.1 in (39 to 56 cm)
• Weight – 25.6 to 48 oz (726 to 1360 g)
• Wingspan – 28.4 to 31.1 in (72 to 79 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Greater Scaups have a dark black iridescent head, neck and upper mantle. The back and lower mantle are pale grey. The belly and flanks are white. The upper wing is black with white speckling. The wing bar is white and broad, and the underwing is whitish. The bill is grey with a black tip, and the eyes are yellow to gold.

The female has a brown body with a white patch on the face close to the bill base. The mantle and flanks are light brown. A white wing bar is present on the upper wing, and the underwing is whitish.

This species is mainly seen during winter but may occur throughout the year. They are relatively uncommon on lakes and, more typically, in saltwater bays and coves. They can be found at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

25. Surf Scoter

• Scientific name – Melanitta perspicillata
• Lifespan – 19 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 18.9 to 23.6 in (48 to 60 cm)
• Weight – 31.8 to 45.6 oz (900 to 1293 g)
• Wingspan – 29.9 to 30.3 in (76 to 77 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Surf Scoter has black plumage almost exclusively. The underparts are greyish-white. The black head has a white forehead patch and a vertical white patch on the nape and neck. The bill is uniquely coloured, being mostly orange, with white and black round patches on the sides. The eyes are white.

The female is dark brown overall. Subtle whitish patches are visible on the cheeks, ears, and nape. The crown and bill are dark blackish-brown.

This species is uncommon in Florida. They occur in coastal waters during the winter months mainly. A good birding spot for finding this species is Cape Canaveral National Seashore.

26. White-winged Scoter

• Scientific name – Melanitta deglandi
• Lifespan – 18 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 18.9 to 22.8 in (48 to 58 cm)
• Weight – 33.5 to 63.5 oz (950 to 1800 g)
• Wingspan (average) – 31.5 in (80 cm)
• Status – Least concern

Male White-winged Scoters are black overall with a glossy sheen. The upper wings have a prominent white speculum. The underparts are dark brown. The beak is primarily orange, becoming red at the tip. The eyes are grey with a coma-shaped eye ring.

The female has dark brown plumage. There are pale grey-brown patches between the bill and the eyes. The bill is black or dark grey.

This is an uncommon species that occurs in the state during winter mainly. They can be seen in coastal waters and large lakes in areas such as Fort De Soto Park.

27. White-cheeked Pintail

• Scientific name – Anas bahamensis
• Lifespan – 14 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 14.9 to 20 in (38 to 51 cm)
• Weight – 17.7 to 20 oz (503 to 569 g)
• Wingspan – 21.6 to 26.7 in (55 to 68 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male and female White-cheeked Pintails are similar in appearance. They have brown bodies with some black feathers. The underparts are light brown with black spots, and the underwing is mainly dark. The crown and nape are dark brown. The face, throat, and upper neck are white. The bill has a red base and is blue-grey.

The female differs from the male by being slightly duller and smaller.

This species is an uncommon vagrant to Florida wetlands from further south. It was last seen at Lely Resort in 2020.

28. Common Eider

• Scientific name – Somateria mollissima
• Lifespan – 22 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 19.7 to 28 in (50 to 71.1 cm)
• Weight – 45.9 to 92.1 oz (1300 to 2611 g)
• Wingspan – 37.4 to 38.6 in (95 to 98 cm)
• Status – Near-threatened

The Common Eider male has a white back, black flanks, a black crown and a greenish tint on the neck. The belly is black, and the chest is white. The beak is orange-yellow.

The female has reddish-brown plumage with dark barring. The head is pale brown, and the bill is dark.

This is an uncommon vagrant to Florida that has been seen at various times of the year. They occur along rocky seashores and can be seen at Cape Canaveral National Seashore.

29. American Black Duck

• Scientific name – Anas rubripes
• Lifespan – 26 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 21.3 to 23.2 in (54 to 59 cm)
• Weight – 25.4 to 57.9 oz (720 to 1640 g)
• Wingspan – 34.6 to 37.4 in (88 to 95 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The American Black Duck male has a dark blackish-brown body, a pale brown head with dark stripes and a yellow beak. The speculum is blueish-purple with a black border, and the underwings are white.

The female is similar to the male but has an olive beak and is paler overall.

This duck is uncommon in Florida and occurs during winter – inhabiting estuaries, salt marshes, ponds, and lakes. They can be seen at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

30. Long-tailed Duck

• Scientific name – Clangula hyemalis
• Lifespan – 17 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 15.8 to 18.5 in (40 to 47 cm)
• Weight – 22.9 to 38.8 oz (650 to 1100 g)
• Wingspan – 27.9 to 28.4 in (71 to 72 cm)
• Status – Vulnerable

The male Long-tailed Duck has long, dark tail feathers, a dark head and a white patch on the face. The breast and neck are also dark, while the underside is white. The back, flanks and upper wings are dark, and the rump sides are white.

The female has a brown back and breast. The rump sides and underside are white. The head and neck are dark, with a white stripe down the sides of the neck and a white eye ring.

This species is uncommon and visits Florida during winter typically. They inhabit coastal waters and large lakes in areas such as Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

31. Harlequin Duck

• Scientific name – Histrionicus histrionicus
• Lifespan – 20 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 13.4 to 18.1 in (34 to 46 cm)
• Weight – 17.3 to 26.8 oz (490 to 760 g)
• Wingspan – 22.1 to 26.0 in (56 to 66 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Harlequin Duck has a dark blue back and mantle, the scapulars are white, and the upper wing is blue-grey. The speculum is purple-blue, and a white wing bar is present. The underside is blue-grey, the flanks are chestnut, and a vertical white bar with a black border is present on the sides of the breast. The underwing is brown. The blue-grey head has a white crescent from the crown down to the base of the bill, a white ear patch, and a black stripe running from the bill base over the crown, with a chestnut border at the crown. A white collar is also present, the beak is blue-grey, and the eyes are reddish-brown.

The female is brown overall, with a darker head and white patches on the side. The underside is greyish.

Harlequin Ducks are rare in the state but were last seen at Fernandina Harbour Marina in 2018. They winter along rocky coastlines.

32. Masked Duck

• Scientific name – Nomonyx dominicus
• Lifespan – Unknown
• Size – 11.8 to 14.1 in (30 to 36 cm)
• Weight – 9.7 to 15.8 oz (275 to 450 g)
• Wingspan (average) – 16.9 in (43 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Masked Duck has rufous or chestnut-coloured plumage with black spots on the upper side and flanks. The wings are black, and the upper wing has a white patch. The belly and breast are buff-white. The head and neck are chestnut coloured with a black face mask. The beak is blue, and a whitish eye ring is present.

The female has brown or rufous plumage with heavy streaks on the upper parts. The wings are primarily black, with a white wing patch. The underparts are buffy-white with brown spots and mottling.

This species is a rare vagrant that wanders into the state from further south. They occur in ponds, usually where they are very secretive. They were last seen at Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden in 2011.

33. Common Merganser

• Scientific name – Mergus merganser
• Lifespan – 13 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 21.3 to 27.9 in (54 to 71 cm)
• Weight – 31.8 to 76.2 oz (900 to 2160 g)
• Wingspan – 30.7 to 38.1 in (78 to 97 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The male Common Merganser has a black back bordered with a white stripe. The head and upper neck are black with a glossy green sheen. The upper wing is mostly grey, and a white wing patch is present. The underwing and the rest of the underside are all white. The thin bill is red with a black tip and culmen.

The female has a grey body, while the head and upper neck are brown. The chin, throat and breast are white. The upper wing is similar to that of the male.

This species is a rare visitor to the state during winter. They occur on lakes, along rivers and rarely in bays. This species was last seen at Lake Jackson in 2022.

34. King Eider

• Scientific name – Somateria spectabilis
• Lifespan – 24 years (maximum recorded)
• Size – 19.6 to 27.5 in (50 to 74 cm)
• Weight – 52.9 to 1 oz (1500 to 2100 g)
• Wingspan – 33.8 to 40.1 in (86 to 102 cm)
• Status – Least concern

The King Eider male has a sizeable orange-yellow patch near the beak. The rest of the head is blue and light green. The beak is orangish-red. The body is black and white. The underparts are black. The back, breast underwing, flanks, rump-sides and upper wing are white.

The female is brown with prominent black mottling and a black bill.

This species is a very rare vagrant from the Arctic and may be seen in coastal waters. An individual was last seen in 2011 in downtown Pensacola.

Conclusion

Florida contains a fascinating variety of ducks that range in colour from the gorgeous Wood Duck to the rather plain American Black Duck. Either way, beauty is found no matter how drab the species may look, and ducks can be found all over the state in most water sources.

Winter is the best time of year to view ducks in Florida as many of the migratory species move south for the winter from their breeding grounds. Many birds (including some ducks) that visit the state are rare vagrants, but several resident species remain year-round to keep birders entertained – even in local parks.