Missouri is a paradise for duck enthusiasts, offering a vibrant array of species that grace its wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Whether you’re strolling by a quiet pond or exploring a bustling marsh, the sight of these feathered visitors is sure to captivate your attention.
From the common Mallard, with its familiar quack, to the strikingly colorful Wood Duck, Missouri’s ducks present a lively display of nature’s diversity. Each season brings new opportunities to spot different species, making the state a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
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
Mallards are widespread across North America, recognized by the male’s glossy green head, yellow bill, and grayish body. Females are mottled brown with an orange bill. These adaptable ducks are found in virtually any wetland habitat, from small ponds to large lakes.
Mallards nest in a variety of habitats, from dense vegetation near water to urban parks. The female builds a simple, well-camouflaged nest on the ground, lining it with down feathers. She incubates the eggs for about a month and is solely responsible for raising the ducklings.
Mallards are highly adaptable, foraging for aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. They are also opportunistic feeders, scavenging in agricultural fields for grains. Their diet changes seasonally, making them versatile in different environments, which contributes to their widespread presence across various habitats.
Mallards are among the most common and widely distributed ducks, benefiting from various conservation efforts focused on wetland preservation. Their adaptability to human-altered environments has allowed them to thrive, making them a familiar sight in urban and rural areas alike, often coexisting comfortably with people.
2. Northern Pintail
- Scientific name: Anas acuta
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 56-66 cm (22-26 in)
- Weight: 450-1150 g (1-2.5 lb
- Wingspan: 80-95 cm (31-38 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
Northern Pintails are graceful ducks with long necks and pointed tails, found in wetlands across North America. Males have a sleek brown head and white chest, while females are more subdued with tan and brown plumage. Their elongated tails are unmistakable.
Northern Pintails prefer open, grassy areas for nesting, often far from water. The female builds a shallow nest on the ground, lining it with down. She incubates the eggs for about 22-24 days and is solely responsible for the care of the ducklings, which are independent within a few weeks.
Northern Pintails forage for aquatic plants, seeds, and insects. They often feed in shallow water by dabbling or grazing in fields during migration. Their slender necks and long bodies make them particularly adept at foraging in deeper waters than other dabbling ducks.
Northern Pintails have experienced declines due to habitat loss, especially in breeding areas. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetlands, particularly prairie potholes, which are crucial for nesting. These efforts are essential to maintaining and recovering pintail populations in North America.
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
Northern Shovelers are widespread in wetlands, recognized by their distinctive spoon-shaped bills. Males are striking with green heads, white chests, and rusty sides. Females are mottled brown, but both sexes share the characteristic large, wide bill that sets them apart.
Northern Shovelers build their nests on the ground, usually hidden in dense vegetation near water. The nest is a simple scrape lined with down. The female incubates the eggs for about 22-25 days and leads the ducklings to water shortly after they hatch, where they begin foraging.
Northern Shovelers are distinctive for their large, spatula-shaped bills, which they use to sift through mud and water to extract small invertebrates, seeds, and plankton. Their diet is heavily focused on these tiny aquatic organisms, which they filter out with specialized lamellae in their bills.
Northern Shovelers are currently stable and benefit from wetland conservation programs. Their unique feeding habits make them less impacted by competition with other duck species. Continued protection of wetlands ensures that their populations remain healthy, particularly in breeding and migratory habitats.
4. Lesser Scaup
- Scientific name: Aythya affinis
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Size: 38-48 cm (15-19 in)
- Weight: 400-1000 g (0.88-2.2 lb)
- Wingspan: 64-74 cm (25-29 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
Lesser Scaups are abundant diving ducks found across North America in large lakes and reservoirs. Males have glossy black heads and white flanks, while females are brown with a white face patch. They are often seen in large flocks during migration.
Lesser Scaups nest in marshy areas with dense vegetation, often near freshwater lakes. The female builds a well-hidden nest on the ground, laying 6-14 eggs. They prefer nesting sites that offer protection from predators, often choosing spots with thick grass or reeds.
Lesser Scaups are diving ducks that primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates, including insects, mollusks, and crustaceans. They also consume seeds and aquatic plants, especially during the non-breeding season. They forage by diving and sifting through the sediment on lake bottoms.
Lesser Scaups have experienced population declines due to habitat loss and pollution. Conservation efforts focus on wetland restoration and reducing pollution in their breeding and wintering habitats. Research continues to understand and mitigate the factors affecting their populations.
5. American Wigeon
- Scientific name: Mareca americana
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Size: 42-59 cm (17-23 in)
- Weight: 600-1200 g (1.3-2.6 lb)
- Wingspan: 76-91 cm (30-36 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
American Wigeons are migratory ducks found across North America, particularly in quiet lakes and marshes. Males feature a white crown with a green eye stripe, while females are brown with a grayish head. Their round heads and blue-gray bills set them apart.
American Wigeons nest in tall grasses or marshes, usually far from water. The female constructs a shallow, cup-shaped nest lined with down. She incubates the eggs for about 23-25 days and is responsible for the care of the ducklings, which fledge approximately 35 days after hatching.
American Wigeons primarily graze on aquatic plants, often foraging in shallow waters or grazing on land. They are also known to “pirate” food from diving ducks, waiting for them to surface and then quickly snatching up the vegetation brought up from below.
American Wigeons are stable but rely on the continued conservation of wetlands. These efforts are crucial, particularly in breeding and wintering grounds. Historically, their numbers have been carefully managed to balance the interests of hunters and conservationists, ensuring their populations remain healthy and sustainable.
6. Wood Duck
- Scientific name: Aix sponsa
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 48-54 cm (19-21 in)
- Weight: 454-862 g (1-1.9 lb)
- Wingspan: 66-73 cm (26-29 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
Wood Ducks are colourful residents of wooded swamps and wetlands across North America. Males have iridescent plumage with a green crest, red eyes, and a chestnut chest. Females are more muted, with a gray-brown body and a distinctive white eye ring.
Wood Ducks nest in tree cavities near water, often using old woodpecker holes. The female lays her eggs in these elevated nests, which she lines with down. After hatching, the ducklings leap from the nest to the ground, following their mother to the nearest water source.
Wood Ducks feed on a mix of aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. They are also known to eat acorns and other nuts, foraging in both water and on land. Their varied diet reflects their ability to thrive in both forested wetlands and open water habitats.
Wood Ducks were once on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss and overhunting. Conservation efforts, including the installation of nest boxes and wetland restoration, have led to a remarkable recovery. Today, Wood Ducks are a conservation success story, with populations rebounding strongly.
7. 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
Blue-winged Teals are small, agile ducks common in shallow wetlands across North America. Males are identifiable by their blue-gray head and white facial crescent, while females are brown and speckled. Their bright blue wing patches are most visible during flight.
Blue-winged Teals nest on the ground, typically near water in well-concealed spots. The female builds the nest, lines it with down, and incubates the eggs for about 23-24 days. After hatching, the ducklings are quickly led to water, where they begin feeding and are independent within weeks.
Blue-winged Teals feed on a variety of aquatic invertebrates, seeds, and plant matter. They are commonly seen dabbling in shallow wetlands, where they sift through the water to find food. Their diet shifts depending on availability, making them adaptable across different habitats.
Blue-winged Teals have stable populations, thanks in part to successful wetland conservation efforts. They are among the first ducks to migrate south in the fall, making their conservation particularly important in both breeding and wintering grounds across the Americas.
8. Gadwall
- Scientific name: Mareca strepera
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 46-56 cm (18-22 in)
- Weight: 800-1,350 g (1.8-3 lb)
- Wingspan: 81-95 cm (32-37 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and Common
Gadwalls inhabit ponds and marshes across North America, often overlooked due to their subtle plumage. Males are patterned in shades of gray and brown, with a distinctive black rump. Females resemble Mallards but lack the bold coloration, making them easily blend into their surroundings.
Gadwalls typically nest close to water, hidden in tall grasses or shrubs. The female builds a well-concealed nest lined with down and vegetation. She incubates the eggs for about 24-27 days, and the ducklings are ready to leave the nest and follow her to water soon after hatching.
Gadwalls mainly consume aquatic vegetation, seeds, and small invertebrates. They often forage by dabbling in shallow waters, and they have a habit of stealing food from other diving ducks as they come up to the surface, making them efficient and resourceful feeders.
Gadwalls have seen population increases thanks to effective wetland conservation efforts. Historically, they were less abundant, but their adaptability and the protection of critical habitats have led to a steady growth in numbers, making them more common in North America’s waterfowl community.
9. 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
Green-winged Teals are among the smallest ducks in North America, favouring shallow ponds and wetlands. Males have a chestnut head with a striking green eye patch, while females are mottled brown. Both sexes feature a vibrant green wing patch, noticeable in flight.
Green-winged Teals nest on the ground, typically in well-hidden locations near water. The female constructs a nest lined with down and incubates the eggs for about 21-23 days. The ducklings are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching, quickly learning to forage for themselves.
Green-winged Teals are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, aquatic insects, and plant material. They prefer shallow wetlands where they can dabble and sift through the water to find food. Their small size allows them to access dense vegetation where larger ducks cannot reach.
Green-winged Teals are among the most abundant ducks in North America, benefiting from extensive wetland conservation efforts. Their populations have remained robust, and their wide distribution makes them less vulnerable to habitat loss compared to other waterfowl species.
10. 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 Rare
American Black Ducks are commonly found in eastern North America’s wetlands, blending well into their surroundings with dark brown plumage and a contrasting pale head. Males have yellow bills, while females sport duller olive bills. Their iridescent purple wing patch is often hidden.
American Black Ducks prefer to nest in secluded areas within dense vegetation near water. The female constructs a well-hidden nest on the ground or in low shrubs, lining it with down. She incubates the eggs for about 23-26 days and tends to the ducklings after they hatch.
American Black Ducks primarily forage for aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates in shallow wetlands. They are often seen dabbling or tipping in the water, but they also forage on land, especially in coastal areas where they feed on mollusks and crustaceans.
American Black Duck populations have declined due to habitat loss and competition with Mallards. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring their breeding and wintering habitats, particularly in the eastern United States and Canada. These efforts are critical for reversing their population decline.
11. 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
Ring-necked Ducks are medium-sized diving ducks found across North America. Males have a glossy black head and chest with gray sides, while females are brown with a pale face. Despite their name, the neck ring is rarely visible, but their peaked head and ringed bill are distinctive.
Ring-necked Ducks nest in shallow, freshwater marshes with dense vegetation. The female builds a well-concealed nest close to the water, laying 6-14 eggs. Their nesting sites are often difficult to locate, hidden among reeds or cattails, providing safety from predators.
These ducks primarily feed on submerged aquatic plants, including pondweeds and seeds. They also eat insects and small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season when they need extra protein. They dive for food, often feeding in small, sheltered ponds and marshes.
Ring-necked Duck populations have remained relatively stable, thanks in part to effective wetland conservation efforts. However, they still face threats from habitat loss due to agriculture and development. Ongoing efforts aim to protect their habitats and monitor population trends.
12. 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
Redheads are sociable ducks found across North American lakes and marshes. Males are distinguished by their cinnamon-red heads, black chests, and gray bodies. Females are brown with a paler face. Their steep forehead and dark-tipped bill are key identification features.
Redheads often nest over water, choosing marshy areas with dense vegetation. They build their nests on floating mats of reeds or rushes, laying 7-10 eggs. Interestingly, some females engage in brood parasitism, laying eggs in the nests of other Redheads or even other duck species.
Redheads are versatile feeders, diving for aquatic plants, especially wild celery, and also eating invertebrates like snails and insects. Their diet varies seasonally, with more plant material consumed in winter. Their feeding grounds include shallow lakes, marshes, and coastal bays.
Historically, Redheads suffered from habitat loss and overhunting, leading to significant population declines. Conservation efforts, including wetland restoration and hunting regulations, have helped their numbers recover. Continued efforts focus on preserving critical breeding and wintering habitats.
13. 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
Buffleheads are small, striking ducks seen across North America, especially in winter. Males have iridescent purple-green heads with a large white patch, while females are brown with a white cheek spot. Their large, rounded heads make them easily identifiable on water.
Buffleheads nest in tree cavities, often in old woodpecker holes, particularly those of Northern Flickers. The female lays 6-11 eggs and incubates them for about a month. These tiny ducks return to the same breeding areas yearly, forming a loyal bond to their nesting grounds in northern forests.
Buffleheads are diving ducks that primarily feast on aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and mollusks. During winter, they shift their diet more toward small fish and plant material. Their feeding technique involves diving underwater to capture prey, often in shallow waters or near the shore.
Bufflehead populations are currently stable, benefiting from forest conservation efforts that protect their nesting habitats. They were once heavily hunted, but legal protections have helped their numbers rebound. Ongoing efforts focus on preserving wetland and forest ecosystems critical to their survival.
14. 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
Ruddy Ducks are unique, stiff-tailed ducks common in North America. Breeding males are unmistakable with bright blue bills, white cheeks, and chestnut bodies. Females and non-breeding males are tawny brown with darker caps. Their tail is often held upright.
Ruddy Ducks nest in dense marsh vegetation, constructing their nests on floating platforms of cattails or bulrushes. The female lays 5-15 eggs, often hidden under overhanging vegetation for protection. These small, stout ducks are secretive during the breeding season, making their nests challenging to find.
Ruddy Ducks are primarily carnivorous, feeding on aquatic invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. They dive to the bottom of ponds and lakes to forage, often sifting through mud to find their prey. In winter, they may also eat seeds and plant material.
Ruddy Ducks have benefited from wetland conservation and hunting regulations. Their populations are stable, but they face threats from habitat degradation and pollution. Conservationists continue to monitor their numbers and protect the wetlands essential for their survival.
15. Canvasback
- Scientific name: Aythya valisineria
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 48-56 cm (19-22 in)
- Weight: 1,270-1,800 g (2.8-4 lb)
- Wingspan: 84-89 cm (33-35 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
Canvasbacks are large diving ducks, found across North America in lakes and marshes. Males have a red-brown head, black chest, and pale gray body, with a distinctive sloping forehead. Females are more subdued, with a brown head and darker body.
Canvasbacks prefer to nest in marshes with dense emergent vegetation. They build their nests on floating mats of vegetation or in shallow water, laying 7-9 eggs. The nests are well-concealed, offering protection from predators. Female Canvasbacks are known for their strong attachment to their nesting sites.
Canvasbacks dive deep to forage on aquatic plants, especially wild celery, which gives their meat a distinctive flavour. They also eat seeds, tubers, and occasionally small invertebrates. Their specialized bill is perfect for uprooting vegetation from the bottoms of lakes and marshes.
Canvasbacks have seen fluctuations in their population due to habitat loss and hunting pressures. Conservation efforts have focused on wetland restoration and regulated hunting to stabilize their numbers. Current initiatives aim to protect their breeding and wintering habitats across North America.
16. Greater Scaup
- Scientific name: Aythya marila
- Life span: 10-20 years
- Size: 41-51 cm (16-20 in)
- Weight: 900-1,600 g (2-3.5 lb)
- Wingspan: 81-87 cm (32-34 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and Rare
Greater Scaups are large, migratory diving ducks found in North America’s coastal waters and large lakes. Males have a greenish head, yellow eyes, and a white body, while females are brown with a white face patch. They are often seen in large wintering flocks.
Greater Scaups nest in tundra and boreal forests, choosing sites near water with good cover. The female builds a shallow nest on the ground, often hidden among grasses or shrubs, laying 5-11 eggs. Their nesting sites are usually remote, providing safety from many predators.
Greater Scaups are proficient divers, feeding mainly on aquatic invertebrates, such as mollusks, crustaceans, and insects. They also eat seeds and aquatic plants, particularly in winter. They forage in deeper waters than many other ducks, diving up to 20 feet to find food.
Greater Scaup populations have seen fluctuations due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts include protecting and restoring wetlands, especially in key breeding and wintering areas. International cooperation is vital since these migratory birds traverse vast distances.
17. 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
Hooded Mergansers are small ducks found in North American woodlands near water. Males are striking with a large black crest and bold white patch, while females are brown with a more subtle crest. Their long, thin bill is specialized for catching fish.
Hooded Mergansers nest in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes or artificial nest boxes near water. The female lays 9-12 eggs and incubates them for about a month. These small, striking ducks prefer nesting sites close to water, ensuring easy access for the ducklings after hatching.
Hooded Mergansers are skilled hunters, diving underwater to catch fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Their serrated bills help them grasp slippery prey. They often forage in clear, shallow waters, where their exceptional eyesight allows them to spot prey with ease.
Hooded Merganser populations are stable, with many benefiting from the installation of nest boxes. Conservation efforts focus on preserving forested wetlands and providing nesting habitats. Despite their stable status, ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure their continued success.
18. Muscovy Duck
- Scientific name: Cairina moschata
- Life span: 8-12 years
- Size: 26-33 in (66-84 cm)
- Weight: 6.6-15 lbs (3-6.8 kg)
- Wingspan: 54-64 in (137-162 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
Muscovy Ducks are large, distinctive ducks native to Central and South America but feral populations exist in North America. They have a mix of white and dark green-black plumage with red facial wattles. Though domesticated, wild individuals can occasionally be seen in the wild.
Muscovy Ducks nest in tree cavities, on the ground, or in man-made structures. The female builds the nest and incubates the eggs for about 35 days. Muscovy Ducklings are precocial, leaving the nest soon after hatching, though they stay close to their mother for guidance.
Muscovy Ducks are omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of plant material, small fish, insects, and even small reptiles. They forage in wetlands, agricultural fields, and sometimes in urban areas, using their strong bills to dig for food in soft ground or shallow water.
Wild Muscovy Ducks are native to Central and South America, with feral populations in North America. They are not considered at risk, but conservation efforts focus on managing feral populations to prevent hybridization with native species and to control their impact on local ecosystems.
19. 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
Red-breasted Mergansers are sleek, migratory ducks seen across North America. Males have spiky green crests, red eyes, and cinnamon-coloured chests. Females are brownish overall. They are often found in large, unfrozen bodies of water during migration.
Red-breasted Mergansers typically nest on the ground, hidden among dense vegetation near water. The female scrapes out a shallow depression and lines it with down before laying 8-10 eggs. These ducks are secretive nesters, often choosing remote locations to avoid predators.
Red-breasted Mergansers are expert fish hunters, diving to chase down small fish, which make up the bulk of their diet. They also eat crustaceans and aquatic insects. Their slender, serrated bills are perfectly adapted for gripping slippery fish, and they often hunt in coastal waters.
Red-breasted Mergansers have stable populations, but they are susceptible to habitat loss and water pollution. Conservation efforts include protecting coastal and freshwater habitats, as well as monitoring pollution levels. Their reliance on specific habitats makes them sensitive to environmental changes.
20. Common Goldeneye
- Scientific name: Bucephala clangula
- Life span: 6-12 years
- Size: 40-51 cm (16-20 in)
- Weight: 800-1,550 g (1.8-3.4 lb)
- Wingspan: 66-81 cm (26-32 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and Common
Common Goldeneyes are diving ducks seen across North America, particularly in winter. Males have dark green heads with a bright yellow eye and a white cheek patch. Females are brown with a yellow-tipped bill. Their rapid wingbeats produce a distinctive whistling sound in flight.
Common Goldeneyes nest in tree cavities, often using abandoned woodpecker holes or specially designed nest boxes. The female lays 6-11 eggs and is highly territorial, fiercely guarding her nesting site. These ducks are known for their strong fidelity to their breeding sites, returning year after year.
Common Goldeneyes dive for their food, primarily feeding on aquatic invertebrates, including insects, mollusks, and crustaceans. In winter, they also consume fish and plant material. They are efficient foragers, often diving to considerable depths to find their prey.
The population of Common Goldeneyes is stable, benefiting from the availability of nest boxes in areas lacking natural cavities. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining healthy wetland ecosystems and protecting nesting habitats. Their adaptability to human-made nesting sites has aided in their conservation.
21. Common Merganser
- Scientific name: Mergus merganser
- Life span: 5-12 years
- Size: 22-25 in / 56-64 cm
- Weight: 2.2-3.1 lbs / 1.0-1.4 kg
- Wingspan: 26-30 in / 66-76 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
Common Mergansers are large, elegant ducks seen across North America. Breeding males are mostly white with a green head, while females and non-breeding males have reddish-brown heads and gray bodies. They are typically found on large rivers and lakes.
Common Mergansers nest in tree cavities, rock crevices, or nest boxes near rivers and lakes. The female lays 6-17 eggs and fiercely guards the nest. After hatching, the ducklings quickly take to the water, following their mother to nearby streams or lakes where they begin feeding immediately.
Common Mergansers are fish specialists, diving to catch small fish, their primary diet. They also consume amphibians, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Their long, serrated bills are perfectly designed for catching and holding slippery prey, making them efficient predators in freshwater environments.
Common Mergansers are widespread and have stable populations. They benefit from healthy riverine and lake habitats. Conservation efforts focus on preserving these aquatic ecosystems and ensuring water quality. Continued monitoring is essential, especially in regions where water pollution is a concern.
Where to find Ducks in Missouri
Finding ducks in Missouri is an adventure that brings you closer to nature’s wonders. To get started, grab your binoculars and head to one of the state’s many water-rich habitats. Ducks thrive in wetlands, lakes, and marshes, so look for places with ample water and vegetation. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to spot these birds, as they’re most active then.
Here are four top spots to find ducks in Missouri:
- Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge: Located in northwest Missouri, this refuge is a hotspot for waterfowl, especially during migration seasons. The refuge’s marshes and wetlands are perfect for spotting a variety of duck species.
- Mingo National Wildlife Refuge: Nestled in southeastern Missouri, Mingo offers diverse habitats, from swamps to bottomland forests. It’s a prime location to observe ducks, especially in the winter.
- Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary: Near St. Louis, this sanctuary along the Mississippi River is a haven for ducks, especially during migration. It’s easily accessible and offers great viewing platforms.
- Four Rivers Conservation Area: In western Missouri, this area is known for its wetlands and is a great place to find ducks year-round.
Get out there, enjoy the scenery, and see what duck species you can spot!
Conclusion
Missouri’s diverse wetlands provide critical habitats for a wide variety of duck species, supporting their life cycles from breeding to migration. Conservation efforts focused on protecting these wetlands are vital for maintaining healthy duck populations, ensuring that these vibrant waterfowl continue to thrive in the state’s rich ecosystems.
