Ducks are a familiar and beloved sight across Illinois, gracing lakes, rivers, and wetlands with their unique colors and behaviors. While many of us are accustomed to seeing the common Mallard at local ponds, Illinois is home to an impressive variety of duck species, each with its own distinct charm.
From dabbling ducks like the elegant Northern Pintail to diving ducks such as the colorful Bufflehead, these waterfowl add life and diversity to the state’s ecosystems. Some ducks are year-round residents, while others migrate through Illinois during different seasons, offering birdwatchers a chance to spot new species throughout the year.
This guide introduces 22 types of ducks that you’re most likely to encounter in Illinois, with tips on how to identify them and where to find them. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply curious, exploring Illinois’ duck species is a great way to connect with nature.
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
- Migration pattern: Some stay year-round; others leave in late fall
Found throughout North America, the Mallard’s male has a vivid green head, yellow bill, and chestnut chest, while females are mottled brown with subtle markings.
Mallards are known for their adaptability in nesting, often choosing hidden spots near water but occasionally surprising observers by nesting in more urban locations, like gardens. Their nests are shallow scrapes, lined with down and hidden in tall grass.
Mallards have an omnivorous diet, eating a mix of seeds, aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. Their foraging style is dabbling, where they tip forward in the water to reach food below, a behavior easily recognizable and often admired by birdwatchers.
Mallards benefit from considerable conservation attention due to their popularity. Despite being abundant, they still require wetland protection for stable populations. Over the years, their resilience has made them an iconic species in conservation success stories.
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 lbs)
- Wingspan: 80-95 cm (31-38 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migration pattern: Leaves in late fall as temperatures drop
This slender, elegant duck features a chocolate head and white neck on males, while females are tan with mottling; both are found in marshes.
Northern Pintails select grassy areas near water for their nesting sites, preferring open wetlands. Females scrape shallow depressions in the ground, where they create a well-lined nest that’s discreetly hidden from predators among tall grasses and other natural cover.
Pintails are primarily herbivorous, feeding on seeds, grains, and aquatic plants. During breeding seasons, they may also consume insects to supplement their diet. They forage in both shallow water and fields, showing impressive adaptability in finding food sources.
Conservation for Northern Pintails involves wetland preservation, as habitat loss affects their breeding sites. While populations are relatively stable, ongoing habitat conservation remains necessary, especially in regions where agriculture impacts natural wetland environments essential to this species.
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
- Migration pattern: Migrates south in late fall
Distinguished by its large, spoon-shaped bill, the Northern Shoveler has males with green heads, white chests, and rusty sides, while females are brownish with orange accents.
Northern Shovelers nest close to water, typically in dense vegetation to shield the nest from predators. Females create a shallow nest lined with down, which blends with surroundings, allowing for a more discreet nesting location within grassy marshlands or flooded meadows.
Their diet mainly consists of small invertebrates, seeds, and aquatic vegetation. Shovelers use their unique, spoon-shaped bills to filter food from the water, a characteristic behavior that helps them access a range of food items from the muddy shallows.
Conservation efforts for Northern Shovelers focus on wetland preservation, as they depend on these habitats for breeding and feeding. Conservation programs targeting wetlands have proven effective in stabilizing their populations across North America’s vital marsh ecosystems.
4. 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
- Migration pattern: Migrates south by late fall
Common across North America, American Wigeon males have a white crown and green eye patch, with females in soft gray-brown plumage.
The American Wigeon typically nests in dense grasses or shrubs near water. Female wigeons build well-concealed nests lined with grass and feathers to ensure safety from predators. They prefer undisturbed wetlands for nesting, which provides necessary cover for their vulnerable eggs.
Wigeons are primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, seeds, and grasses. Occasionally, they will eat small invertebrates, especially during breeding season. They often graze in fields near water, resembling geese as they pluck plants with their short, powerful bills.
Conservation efforts have supported the American Wigeon by focusing on habitat preservation. Although their population remains stable, ongoing protection of wetland habitats remains essential for this species, as wetland drainage threatens the habitats they rely upon for breeding and feeding.
5. 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
- Migration pattern: Migrates south by late fall
Native to North America, the Wood Duck’s male has iridescent green crests and red eyes, while females feature a grayish head with a white eye patch.
Wood Ducks are unique among Illinois ducks for nesting in tree cavities. They also use nest boxes installed by conservationists. Females choose well-concealed cavities in wooded areas near water, which offer protection from ground-based predators.
Their diet includes seeds, fruits, and aquatic plants, along with occasional insects. Wood Ducks forage in forests and wetlands, where their diet varies seasonally. Their foraging flexibility helps them thrive in diverse habitats from ponds to marshes.
Wood Duck conservation has seen success through nest box programs, which address the loss of natural cavities. Wetland preservation and installing nesting boxes have significantly bolstered populations, making them one of Illinois’ most common breeding ducks.
6. 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: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Leaves early, often by mid-fall
A widespread North American species, the Blue-winged Teal has a blue-gray head with white crescent for males and brownish tones in females, with a distinctive blue wing patch.
Blue-winged Teals build nests hidden in dense grasses, often some distance from open water. Females create a shallow bowl in the ground and line it with down feathers, ensuring it is well-concealed from predators within the wetland habitat.
Their diet includes seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates. Blue-winged Teals forage by dabbling in shallow waters, using their small bills to sift through mud and water, efficiently gathering food without needing to dive or submerge fully.
Blue-winged Teal conservation efforts highlight wetland preservation, as habitat loss poses a significant risk. With ongoing support for wetland conservation, their numbers remain stable, but the loss of breeding grounds continues to pose challenges to their survival.
7. Gadwall
- Scientific name: Mareca strepera
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 46-56 cm (18-22 in)
- Weight: 800-1,350 g (1.8-3.0 lb)
- Wingspan: 81-95 cm (32-37 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Heads south in early winter
Widespread in North America, Gadwalls feature gray-brown feathers; males have subtle black-and-white accents, while females are a mottled brown, blending well in wetlands.
Gadwalls are known for placing their nests in tall grass or dense vegetation near water. The female builds the nest and adds down feathers to cushion the eggs. The location and vegetation provide essential camouflage from predators in the breeding season.
This species mostly feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and leaves, with occasional invertebrates added to the diet. Gadwalls often forage by dabbling in shallow water, and they sometimes steal food from other ducks, showcasing an interesting social interaction behavior among waterfowl.
Conservation efforts for Gadwalls have helped stabilize populations, particularly by protecting their preferred marshy habitats. Wetland conservation initiatives have successfully supported this species, as they rely on healthy, undisturbed marshes to maintain stable populations across North America.
8. 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
- Migration pattern: Departs mid to late fall
Found across North America, the Green-winged Teal has a chestnut head with green stripes for males, while females are brown with subtle wing patterns.
Green-winged Teals prefer nesting near water in dense grasses. Females scrape out a small depression, lining it with down feathers to insulate the eggs. Their nests are often tucked into dense vegetation, providing crucial cover from potential predators.
Their diet mainly consists of seeds and aquatic plants, supplemented occasionally by insects. Green-winged Teals forage by dabbling, a behavior they perform in shallow water to feed on submerged vegetation or small invertebrates.
Conservation efforts for Green-winged Teals are essential due to wetland dependency. While their population remains healthy, habitat degradation, especially in breeding areas, underscores the importance of conservation measures to maintain their habitats.
9. American Black Duck
- Scientific name: Anas rubripes
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 54-63 cm (21-25 in)
- Weight: 727-1,380 g (1.6-3 lb)
- Wingspan: 91-102 cm (36-40 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and uncommon
- Migration pattern: Leaves in late fall to early winter
Common in eastern North America, this Mallard-like duck has dark brown plumage with a contrasting wing patch, and males with yellow bills.
American Black Ducks nest in marshes, selecting well-hidden spots in tall vegetation near water. The female builds a shallow, grassy nest, lined with down to protect and insulate the eggs, ensuring a discreet location sheltered from predators.
Their diet consists of aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates, often foraged in shallow waters. They are proficient dabblers, tipping forward to reach food beneath the water’s surface, a behavior typical among dabbling ducks.
Conservation of American Black Ducks is focused on wetland preservation, as habitat degradation has caused population declines. Conservation initiatives help maintain the necessary habitats, and their population remains a priority for protection efforts across North America.
10. 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
- Migration pattern: Moves south in late fall
North American Ring-necked Ducks have a faint neck ring; males are black and white, while females have a white eye ring.
Ring-necked Ducks nest in dense, marshy wetlands, typically choosing floating nests built from plant material and down feathers. These nests offer essential buoyancy and camouflage, protecting their eggs from potential predators and high water levels in the nesting areas.
Their diet consists of aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates, accessed through diving. Ring-necked Ducks forage in shallow water, where their small, rounded bodies enable efficient movement as they search for food. They are well-suited to lake environments, especially those with abundant plant cover.
Conservation of Ring-necked Ducks has benefited from wetland protection efforts, which have maintained suitable nesting and feeding habitats. Though populations are stable, wetland conservation remains essential to ensure continued access to the diverse ecosystems they rely on for breeding and foraging.
11. 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 common
- Migration pattern: Migrates south in late fall
This North American duck features a bright red head and gray body in males, while females are more uniformly brown.
Redheads select shallow marshes and prairie potholes for nesting, building their nests within thick vegetation for added concealment. Female Redheads may lay eggs in other ducks’ nests, a behavior called brood parasitism, which reduces their own nesting risk while still ensuring offspring survival.
They feed primarily on aquatic vegetation, tubers, and seeds, with occasional invertebrates. Redheads are skilled divers, often seen submerging to forage in deeper waters. Their feeding style allows them to access abundant food resources within lake vegetation, especially in secluded wetlands.
Conservation for Redheads focuses on protecting wetland habitats, especially prairie pothole regions crucial for breeding. Brood parasitism among Redheads highlights the need for diverse nesting environments, and conservationists work to preserve these unique ecosystems that support their life cycle.
12. 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
- Migration pattern: Heads south in late fall
Found in North America’s lakes, the Bufflehead’s male has iridescent plumage with a large white head patch, while females have a small white cheek spot.
Buffleheads use old woodpecker holes for nesting, often in northern forests. These cavities provide safety from predators. Females choose smaller holes to limit other ducks’ access, ensuring a secure environment for their young during the vulnerable breeding season.
Buffleheads eat aquatic invertebrates, mollusks, and small fish, foraging by diving underwater. Their small, agile bodies allow them to stay submerged for extended periods as they hunt, bringing a fascinating, lively energy to their underwater foraging.
Conservation for Buffleheads emphasizes preserving forested wetlands and nesting sites. Efforts to maintain cavity availability through protected forests have contributed to stable populations, with nest boxes also assisting their habitat needs.
13. White-winged Scoter
- Scientific name: Melanitta fusca
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 48-58 cm (19-23 in)
- Weight: 900-2,800 g (2-6.2 lb)
- Wingspan: 81-97 cm (32-38 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migration pattern: Migrates south as waters freeze, late fall.
A large sea duck, White-winged Scoter males are black with white wing patches, while females are brown with similar markings.
White-winged Scoters prefer nesting near large lakes or coastal areas, creating ground nests in concealed locations among low vegetation. Females line nests with down, ensuring warmth and insulation. These nesting sites are often isolated, providing natural protection from both human disturbance and predators.
Their diet mainly consists of mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. White-winged Scoters are powerful divers, easily reaching deep waters to hunt shellfish along the seafloor. Their large bills and sturdy bodies make them well-equipped for life in coastal and deep lake environments.
Conservation for White-winged Scoters has focused on minimizing marine pollution and protecting nesting areas. Given their preference for remote coastal habitats, efforts to maintain these pristine environments are crucial to supporting healthy populations and reducing exposure to harmful contaminants.
14. 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: Rare (primarily domesticated with occasional wild sightings)
- Migration pattern: Rarely migrates; mostly found in domesticated areas
Originally from Central America, the Muscovy Duck is often domesticated, with black and white plumage and red facial wattles, mostly seen on farms.
Muscovy Ducks nest in tree cavities or elevated sites, similar to Wood Ducks. Females choose hidden spots to protect their eggs from predators, and their nesting habits make them particularly adaptable in both wild and domestic settings.
Their diet is versatile, including seeds, fruits, and small animals. Muscovy Ducks are skilled foragers, often seen in agricultural areas and wetlands, where they capitalize on diverse food sources, reflecting their adaptable feeding strategies.
Conservation of wild Muscovy Ducks focuses on preserving natural habitats, though most seen in Illinois are domesticated escapees. Protecting their natural range in Central and South America supports their wild population stability.
15. 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 common
- Migration pattern: Departs by early winter
Native to North America, Ruddy Ducks have males with bright blue bills and chestnut bodies; females are brown with dark head markings.
Ruddy Ducks prefer nesting in dense, marshy areas, often creating nests hidden in cattails or bulrushes. The female builds a floating nest, lined with down feathers for insulation and stability. This structure keeps the eggs safe and offers some concealment from passing predators in the marsh.
Their diet includes aquatic insects, crustaceans, and seeds, obtained by diving. Ruddy Ducks are known for foraging underwater, using their stiff tails for balance and maneuverability as they search among submerged vegetation and lakebed mud for their preferred food sources.
Conservation efforts for Ruddy Ducks prioritize preserving marshland habitats, as wetland drainage has reduced suitable nesting areas. While they are not considered endangered, habitat protection remains crucial to maintaining stable populations in their natural environments across North America.
16. 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
- Migration pattern: Leaves for warmer areas by late fall
North American Canvasbacks feature sloped heads and red-brown heads; males have pale gray bodies, while females are brownish and subdued.
Canvasbacks nest in shallow, marshy lakes with thick vegetation. Females build floating nests attached to cattails or reeds, creating a secure, buoyant base that keeps the nest above water. These nests are well-concealed among aquatic plants, protecting eggs from predators and environmental changes.
Their diet is primarily aquatic vegetation, including tubers and pondweeds, supplemented with small invertebrates. Canvasbacks dive deeply to reach food sources, and their powerful bills help them pull vegetation from lake bottoms. They are among the more specialized divers, often foraging at greater depths than other duck species.
Conservation for Canvasbacks focuses heavily on wetland preservation, as habitat loss has historically impacted their populations. Their dependence on specific wetland ecosystems makes them vulnerable, but dedicated conservation programs have contributed to stabilizing numbers, safeguarding their vital breeding and wintering grounds.
17. 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 uncommon
- Migration pattern: Leaves in late fall to early winter.
Native to North America, Greater Scaup males have green heads and white sides, while females have a brown head with a white face patch.
Greater Scaups nest in northern marshes and tundra regions, often choosing sheltered spots within dense vegetation near water. Females build low nests from grasses and down feathers, offering their eggs warmth and a layer of concealment in open, often windswept habitats.
Their diet is varied, including aquatic vegetation, seeds, and invertebrates, all accessed by diving. Greater Scaups are skilled divers and often forage in deeper waters than their Lesser Scaup relatives, making them versatile foragers capable of adapting to a range of lake environments.
Conservation for Greater Scaups emphasizes wetland preservation and monitoring of northern breeding grounds. Habitat loss and pollution are ongoing concerns, and protecting large, undisturbed wetland areas is critical to maintaining stable populations for this wide-ranging diving duck.
18. 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
- Migration pattern: Heads south in late fall
Found in North America, Lesser Scaups have males with glossy heads, females with brown plumage and white patches around their bills.
Lesser Scaups nest in marshy wetlands, building well-hidden nests within thick grasses or on floating mats of vegetation. Females line these nests with down to provide warmth and protection, ensuring that eggs remain safe within the dense cover of wetland habitats.
Their diet includes aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates. Lesser Scaups dive to forage, frequently feeding in groups. Their foraging style is energetic, and they often move across open water areas, making them a lively addition to lake ecosystems as they search for food.
Conservation efforts for Lesser Scaups have included wetland protection and pollution reduction, as their habitats are sensitive to degradation. Protecting wetland ecosystems supports their feeding and nesting requirements, contributing to healthier populations across North America’s freshwater regions.
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
- Migration pattern: Leaves in late fall or stays if waters are open
A North American favorite, Hooded Mergansers have males with black-and-white crests, while females sport a brown crest and body.
Hooded Mergansers nest in tree cavities, preferring wooded wetlands and flooded forests. Females select high cavities for safety, often using abandoned woodpecker holes. They line the nest with down feathers, creating a soft, insulated base that supports the eggs during the breeding season.
Their diet consists of fish, crayfish, and aquatic insects, hunted underwater. Hooded Mergansers are expert divers, using their slender, serrated bills to grasp slippery prey. Their excellent underwater vision enables them to locate food with remarkable precision in clear, shallow water.
Conservation efforts for Hooded Mergansers focus on maintaining forested wetlands, which provide nesting cavities and food sources. Sustainable forestry practices help preserve their natural habitats, and nest box programs offer additional nesting options, supporting stable populations in suitable habitats across their range.
20. 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 uncommon
- Migration pattern: Migrates south in late fall
Found in North America and Eurasia, Red-breasted Mergansers have spiky crests; males have green heads, females are brown.
Red-breasted Mergansers nest along northern lakeshores, usually within low vegetation close to water. They create ground nests lined with down feathers, tucked away in concealed areas. This choice of nesting location helps shield their eggs from predators while keeping them close to food sources.
They feed almost exclusively on fish, catching prey by diving underwater. Red-breasted Mergansers are efficient hunters, often seen herding fish toward shallow water to make them easier to catch. Their narrow, serrated bills allow them to secure fish with ease, making them skilled piscivores.
Conservation of Red-breasted Mergansers includes safeguarding shorelines and minimizing pollution in their habitats. As coastal development threatens these ecosystems, conservation efforts have focused on protecting breeding grounds and maintaining water quality, essential for supporting healthy fish populations and this species’ survival.
21. 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
- Migration pattern: Heads south as lakes freeze, late fall.
Common across North America, Goldeneyes have males with greenish-black heads and bright yellow eyes, and females with brown heads and grayish bodies.
Common Goldeneyes nest in tree cavities in northern forests, using natural or woodpecker-made holes. They also accept nest boxes, which conservationists often install near suitable habitats to expand nesting options. Females line their nests with down to insulate eggs against cooler temperatures in forested regions.
Their diet includes small fish, aquatic invertebrates, and mollusks. Common Goldeneyes dive for food, often staying underwater for long periods. They skillfully forage along lake bottoms, using their pointed bills to extract prey from between rocks or among submerged vegetation.
Conservation for Common Goldeneyes includes preserving nesting sites and providing artificial cavities through nest box programs. Their reliance on mature forests underscores the need for sustainable forestry practices, and conservation efforts have stabilized populations by ensuring access to appropriate nesting and feeding areas.
22. 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 common
- Migration pattern: Departs by early winter
Common in North America, males have green heads and white bodies; females feature a reddish-brown head and gray body.
Common Mergansers typically nest in tree cavities or rocky crevices near freshwater lakes and rivers. Females seek out well-protected spots to prevent predation, often lining the cavity with down feathers. Their preference for forested lake areas offers natural camouflage for their nests.
Their diet mainly consists of fish, which they catch using their long, serrated bills. Common Mergansers are strong divers, pursuing fish underwater with precision and speed. Their streamlined bodies make them efficient hunters, especially adept at navigating through lakes and rivers in search of prey.
Conservation efforts for Common Mergansers focus on preserving forested waterways and minimizing water pollution. Forest conservation practices help maintain natural nesting sites, while pollution control supports healthier fish populations, crucial for their diet and the stability of their populations.
Where to find Ducks in Illinois
If you’re looking to spot ducks in Illinois, you are, as you have probably guessed this far in the article, are in luck—this state offers plenty of great habitats to explore! Start by visiting the quiet ponds and marshes at Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, a top spot for waterfowl. Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge is another great place where ducks gather, especially during migration seasons.
If you’re near Chicago, try the wetlands at Illinois Beach State Park or explore Carlyle Lake’s rich shoreline in southern Illinois. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and be patient; ducks often linger along shorelines or dive in open water, offering plenty of chances to observe their unique behaviors.
Conclusion
Ducks in Illinois bring vibrant diversity to the state’s wetlands, lakes, and rivers. From common Mallards to rarer species like the White-winged Scoter, these waterfowl enrich the ecosystem. Exploring their habits and habitats highlights the importance of preserving Illinois’ wetlands to ensure these fascinating birds thrive for generations to come.
