Oklahoma is home to an incredible variety of ducks, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. From the colorful Wood Duck to the sleek Northern Pintail, these fascinating waterfowl can be found across the state’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Each season brings its own unique mix of species, with migratory ducks flocking to Oklahoma during the cooler months, creating a spectacle of life and movement on the water.
Ducks play a vital role in Oklahoma’s ecosystems, helping to maintain healthy wetlands while providing food and shelter for other wildlife. For many, they’re also a source of inspiration and connection to nature. Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply enjoy observing wildlife, spotting these birds in their natural habitat is a rewarding experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the diverse duck species of Oklahoma, their habits, and the best places to see them up close.
1. Mallard
- Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 50-65 cm (20-26 in)
- Weight: 700-1600 g (1.5-3.5 lb)
- Wingspan: 81-98 cm (32-39 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Some stay year-round, others migrate in spring.
The Mallard is one of the most recognizable ducks, with males sporting a glossy green head, white neck ring, and chestnut breast. Females are mottled brown with an orange bill. Found worldwide, they breed in North America and winter in southern regions. Mallards adapt well to urban and natural environments alike.
Mallards nest in a variety of locations, from grassy fields to hidden spots near water. Females construct nests lined with down and lay large clutches of eggs. Ducklings leave the nest soon after hatching, instinctively following their mother to water.
Their diet is highly adaptable, including aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates. In urban areas, they readily consume grains and discarded food. They forage by dabbling, tipping forward in the water rather than diving, making them efficient feeders.
Once threatened by overhunting, Mallards have rebounded due to conservation laws. Wetland restoration and hunting regulations ensure healthy populations. As one of the most widespread duck species, they continue to thrive in both natural and urban environments.
2. Blue-winged Teal
- Scientific name: Spatula discors
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 40-47 cm (16-19 in)
- Weight: 280-420 g (9.9-14.8 oz)
- Wingspan: 58-63 cm (23-25 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by mid-fall, returning in early spring.
The Blue-winged Teal is a small, migratory duck with a blue-gray head, white facial crescent, and brown-speckled body. Females are mottled brown with subtle markings. They breed in North America’s wetlands before migrating south to Central and South America for winter. Their distinctive blue wing patch is most visible in flight.
These ducks build nests in dense grasses near shallow wetlands. Females create hidden depressions lined with down, providing warmth for their eggs. Their nesting sites are often far from water, reducing the risk of predation from aquatic hunters.
They primarily eat aquatic invertebrates, seeds, and plant material. During migration, they rely on nutrient-rich food sources like snails and crustaceans. In wintering grounds, they shift to a more plant-based diet, including rice and millet.
Blue-winged Teal populations are stable but depend on wetland conservation. Loss of breeding habitat in North America threatens their future, but protected areas and hunting regulations have helped maintain numbers. They are one of the earliest ducks to migrate south.
3. Gadwall
- Scientific name: Mareca strepera
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 46-56 cm (18-22 in)
- Weight: 800-1,350 g (1.8-3 lb)
- Wingspan: 81-95 cm (32-37 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves in late winter or early spring.
The Gadwall is a subtly coloured duck, with males showing gray-brown plumage, black tail feathers, and white wing patches. Females resemble female Mallards but are less streaked. They breed across North America’s wetlands and winter in the southern U.S. and Mexico. Often overlooked, Gadwalls are strong flyers and frequent mixed duck flocks.
Nesting occurs in grassy fields or marshes, usually near open water. Females select well-hidden spots, often far from shorelines. The nest is lined with down, and the ducklings leave within hours of hatching, quickly adapting to their surroundings.
They primarily eat aquatic plants, including pondweeds and algae. Unlike other dabbling ducks, they dive occasionally to reach submerged vegetation. Insects and crustaceans supplement their diet during the breeding season when extra protein is needed.
Gadwalls have benefited from wetland conservation projects. While their population remains stable, habitat destruction is an ongoing concern. Protection of prairie potholes and wetlands ensures they have sufficient nesting and wintering grounds.
4. 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
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves in early spring, returns late fall.
The Bufflehead is a small, energetic diving duck. Males have a white body, iridescent green-purple head, and large white patch. Females are dark with a small white cheek spot. They breed in North America’s boreal forests and migrate south in winter, often seen on lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
Buffleheads nest in tree cavities, often using abandoned woodpecker holes. Unlike most ducks, they prefer nesting in forests near water. Ducklings leap from the nest shortly after hatching, instinctively making their way to water.
Their diet includes aquatic insects, crustaceans, and seeds. As skilled divers, they forage underwater, using quick movements to snatch prey. During migration, they shift to plant-based foods in coastal and freshwater habitats.
Buffleheads have stable populations due to protected breeding grounds. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining boreal forest habitats, ensuring that they have sufficient nesting sites. Hunting regulations have also contributed to their continued success.
5. Cinnamon Teal
- Scientific name: Spatula cyanoptera
- Life span: 7-10 years
- Size: 15-16 in (38-41 cm)
- Weight: 12-15 oz (340-425 grams)
- Wingspan: 24-26 in (61-66 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves in early fall, rare in winter.
The Cinnamon Teal is a striking duck with males featuring deep reddish-brown plumage and bright red eyes. Females are mottled brown for camouflage. They breed in the western U.S. and migrate to Mexico and Central America for winter. Preferring shallow wetlands, they are less common than other teal species but still widespread.
Nesting occurs in dense vegetation close to water. Females carefully hide their nests, lining them with down for insulation. The ducklings leave the nest soon after hatching, following their mother to find food in nearby wetlands.
They primarily consume aquatic vegetation, seeds, and invertebrates. Their diet varies by season, with breeding birds relying more on protein-rich insects. In migration and wintering grounds, they eat more seeds, including rice and smartweed.
Cinnamon Teal populations have declined due to habitat loss. They rely on wetland conservation programs in the U.S. and Mexico to survive. While not yet endangered, careful monitoring is essential to prevent further declines in their numbers.
6. American Wigeon
- Scientific name: Mareca americana
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Size: 42-59 cm (17-23 in)
- Weight: 600-1200 g (1.3-2.6 lb)
- Wingspan: 76-91 cm (30-36 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by late winter, migrating north.
The American Wigeon is a compact duck with a round head. Males have a green stripe behind the eye, a white forehead, and grayish-brown bodies. Females are plain brown with a pale face. Found across North America, they breed in wetlands and migrate to the southern U.S. and Central America in winter.
American Wigeons nest in grassy areas away from water. Females lay their eggs in well-hidden depressions lined with down. The ducklings leave the nest shortly after hatching, making their way to nearby ponds and marshes.
They are known for grazing on land, feeding on grasses and agricultural crops. In water, they consume aquatic plants and occasionally steal food from diving ducks. Their diet shifts seasonally, with plant material dominating during migration.
Conservation efforts have focused on preserving wetlands. Though still common, habitat loss threatens their numbers. Regulations on hunting and habitat restoration projects have played a role in keeping their populations steady across North America.
7. Green-winged Teal
- Scientific name: Anas crecca
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 33-38 cm (13-15 in)
- Weight: 150-400 g (5.3-14.1 oz)
- Wingspan: 53-59 cm (21-23 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by late winter or early spring.
The Green-winged Teal is North America’s smallest dabbling duck. Males have a chestnut head with a green stripe and gray bodies, while females are brown and well-camouflaged. They breed in northern wetlands and migrate south for winter. Their iridescent green wing patch is visible in flight and helps distinguish them from other species.
Green-winged Teals nest in concealed grassy areas near water. Their nests are shallow scrapes lined with down, providing insulation for the eggs. Ducklings leave the nest soon after hatching, relying on wetland cover for protection.
They primarily eat seeds, aquatic plants, and invertebrates. In shallow waters, they forage by dabbling and occasionally filter-feeding. Their small size allows them to access food sources unavailable to larger ducks.
While not currently threatened, habitat degradation poses risks to their populations. Wetland conservation programs have helped sustain their numbers, and they remain one of North America’s most abundant and widely distributed duck species.
8. Black-bellied whistling-duck
- Scientific name: Dendrocygna autumnalis
- Life span: 8-15 years
- Size: 17-20 in (43-51 cm)
- Weight: 18-35 oz (510-990 grams)
- Wingspan: 28-30 in (71-76 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves in late summer, returns in spring.
The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is a unique, long-legged duck with a red bill and black belly. Both males and females have chestnut bodies and a gray face. They are mostly found in the southern U.S., breeding in Texas and Oklahoma before migrating further south. Their whistling calls and upright posture make them stand out.
Unlike most ducks, Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks nest in tree cavities or on the ground. They sometimes use artificial nest boxes. They prefer areas near water, and their ducklings follow parents to feeding areas soon after hatching.
Their diet is mostly plant-based, consisting of seeds, grains, and aquatic vegetation. They also eat insects and small invertebrates. Unlike diving ducks, they forage mostly on land, often feeding in agricultural fields.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving wetland and grassland habitats. While populations are stable, agricultural expansion and habitat loss pose long-term risks. They have adapted well to human environments, sometimes nesting in urban and suburban areas.
9. 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: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by early spring, returns late fall.
The Ruddy Duck is a small, stiff-tailed diving duck. Males in breeding season have bright chestnut bodies, sky-blue bills, and black caps, while females are brown with a dark cap. They breed in marshes and migrate to southern lakes in winter. Their distinctive tail, often held upright, makes them easy to recognize.
Ruddy Ducks nest in dense marsh vegetation, building floating nests anchored to reeds. Females create well-insulated nests, and the ducklings leave quickly after hatching, following their mother into the safety of thick wetland cover.
Their diet consists of aquatic insects, crustaceans, and plant material. They dive to forage, using their compact bodies to propel themselves underwater. In winter, they shift to a more plant-based diet, feeding on seeds and algae.
Once affected by habitat loss, Ruddy Duck populations have rebounded thanks to wetland conservation. They remain widespread, but maintaining healthy marshlands is essential for their long-term survival. Hunting regulations have also played a role in their stability.
10. Fulvous Whistling Duck
- Scientific name: Dendrocygna bicolor
- Life span: 5-7 years
- Size: 45–53 cm (18–21 in)
- Weight: 748–1,050 g (26.4–37.0 oz)
- Wingspan: 91-106 cm (36-42 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves in late summer, returns in spring.
The Fulvous Whistling-Duck is a tall, slender duck with a warm brown body, dark back, and long neck. Both sexes look alike, with pale stripes on the flanks. They breed in wetlands across the southern U.S. and Mexico before migrating further south. Often seen in rice fields, they are more tropical than most ducks.
Fulvous Whistling-Ducks build nests in dense vegetation near marshes. They sometimes nest on floating platforms made of reeds. Pairs are highly bonded, often returning to the same breeding areas each year.
They primarily eat seeds, grasses, and aquatic plants. Their diet shifts seasonally, with wetland plants dominating in summer and agricultural grains supplementing food sources in winter. Unlike dabbling ducks, they are more likely to forage on land.
Although not currently endangered, habitat loss threatens Fulvous Whistling-Duck populations. They rely on wetland conservation efforts to maintain breeding grounds. Expansion of rice fields has actually benefited them, as they frequently use these areas for feeding.
11. Northern Shoveler
- Scientific name: Spatula clypeata
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 43-53 cm (17-21 in)
- Weight: 400-1100 g (0.88-2.4 lb)
- Wingspan: 74-86 cm (29-34 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by late fall, returns in early spring.
The Northern Shoveler is recognized by its oversized, spoon-shaped bill. Males have green heads, white chests, and rust-coloured sides, while females are brown with an orange bill. They breed in North America’s prairies and migrate south to Central and South America. Their unique bill helps filter food from shallow waters.
They build their nests on dry ground, often in grassy areas near water. Females select well-hidden sites and line their nests with down. Ducklings are quick to leave, following their mother to feeding areas soon after hatching.
Their large, spoon-shaped bill helps them filter-feed on plankton, small invertebrates, and seeds. Unlike other dabbling ducks, they use their specialized bill to sift through water, skimming food efficiently from the surface.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving wetlands, as they depend on healthy breeding habitats. Though not considered threatened, habitat destruction poses a long-term risk. Hunting regulations and protected areas have helped maintain stable populations.
12. Lesser Scaup
- Scientific name: Aythya affinis
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Size: 38-48 cm (15-19 in)
- Weight: 400-1000 g (0.88-2.2 lb)
- Wingspan: 64-74 cm (25-29 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves in early spring, returns in fall.
The Lesser Scaup is a small diving duck with males featuring black heads, white bodies, and blue-gray bills. Females are brown with a white patch near the bill. They breed in North America’s wetlands and migrate to the southern U.S. and Central America. They are often seen in large flocks on open water.
Lesser Scaups nest in freshwater marshes and grassy shorelines. Females choose secluded spots near water, lining their nests with down. Ducklings hatch quickly and head toward water, relying on dense vegetation for cover.
They feed mainly on mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic plants. Their strong diving ability allows them to reach deep water food sources. In winter, they gather in large flocks, foraging along coastal waters and inland lakes.
Although still common, Lesser Scaup populations have declined due to habitat degradation and pollution. Conservation programs focus on protecting wetlands and reducing environmental contaminants that impact their food supply and breeding success.
13. 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
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves in early spring, returns in late fall.
The Common Goldeneye is a striking diving duck with a black-and-white body and bright yellow eyes. Males have a greenish-black head with a white cheek patch, while females have a brown head. They breed in northern forests and migrate south in winter, often seen in fast-moving rivers and coastal areas.
Goldeneyes nest in tree cavities near lakes and rivers. Females reuse the same nest sites for years. Ducklings leave the nest within days of hatching, sometimes jumping from significant heights before making their way to water.
They primarily eat small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. Their sharp diving skills allow them to catch prey in deep water. In winter, they rely more on plant material found in coastal marshes and estuaries.
Common Goldeneyes are not currently threatened, but loss of nesting trees poses a risk. Conservation programs focus on preserving old-growth forests and wetland habitats. They are a popular species among birdwatchers due to their striking appearance.
14. Ring-necked Duck
- Scientific name: Aythya collaris
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 39-46 cm (15-18 in)
- Weight: 680-1,360 g (1.5-3 lb)
- Wingspan: 63-76 cm (25-30 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by early spring, returns in fall.
The Ring-necked Duck is a medium-sized diving duck with a peaked head. Males are black and gray with a faint chestnut neck ring, while females are brown with a white eye ring. They breed in northern wetlands and migrate south in winter. Their white wing stripe and bright yellow eye make them distinctive.
These ducks nest in boreal forests near freshwater lakes and ponds. Their nests are built on floating vegetation or hidden in tall grasses. Ducklings leave the nest soon after hatching, staying close to sheltered waters.
They primarily feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates. Unlike dabbling ducks, they dive for food, often foraging in deeper water. Their diet varies by season, shifting between plant material and protein-rich insects.
Ring-necked Ducks have benefited from conservation efforts aimed at preserving northern wetlands. While not considered threatened, habitat loss remains a concern. Hunting regulations and wetland restoration projects have helped maintain their population levels.
15. Common Merganser
- Scientific name: Mergus merganser
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 22-28 in (56-71 cm)
- Weight: 2-4 lbs (0.9-1.8 kg)
- Wingspan: 26-29 in (66-74 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves in early spring, returns late fall.
The Common Merganser is a sleek diving duck. Males have a white body, dark green head, and red bill, while females have a reddish-brown head with a shaggy crest. They breed in northern lakes and rivers and migrate south in winter. Often seen in groups, they are strong fliers and excellent swimmers.
These ducks nest in tree cavities near large lakes and rivers. Females choose well-hidden locations, often reusing the same site yearly. Once hatched, ducklings follow their mother to water, where they quickly learn to forage.
They primarily eat fish, using their sharp, serrated bills to catch and hold prey. Unlike dabbling ducks, they are expert divers, chasing fish underwater and swallowing them whole. Their diet includes small crustaceans and insects as well.
Common Mergansers have stable populations, but pollution and habitat destruction pose threats. Conservation efforts focus on water quality improvement and forest preservation. They are sensitive to environmental changes, making them key indicators of aquatic health.
16. Northern Pintail
- Scientific name: Anas acuta
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 56-66 cm (22-26 in)
- Weight: 450-1150 g (1-2.5 lb
- Wingspan: 80-95 cm (31-38 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves in early spring, returns in fall.
The Northern Pintail is an elegant duck with a long neck and pointed tail. Males have a brown head, white underparts, and grayish bodies, while females are mottled brown. They breed in North America’s wetlands and migrate to the southern U.S. and Central America. Their graceful flight makes them easy to spot.
Pintails prefer nesting in open grasslands near shallow wetlands. Their nests are well-hidden in tall vegetation, offering some protection from predators. Females incubate the eggs, and once hatched, the ducklings quickly follow their mother to water.
They feed mainly on seeds, aquatic vegetation, and insects. During migration, they rely on agricultural fields for leftover grain. Their long, slender neck allows them to reach deeper underwater for food compared to other dabbling ducks.
Northern Pintails have faced declines due to habitat loss. Conservation efforts focus on protecting prairie wetlands and wintering areas. While still common, their populations fluctuate based on water availability in breeding grounds across North America.
17. Canvasback
- Scientific name: Aythya valisineria
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 48-56 cm (19-22 in)
- Weight: 1,270-1,800 g (2.8-4 lb)
- Wingspan: 84-89 cm (33-35 in)
- Status: Vulnerable
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by early spring, returns in late fall.
The Canvasback is a large diving duck with a sloping forehead and red eyes. Males have a chestnut head, black chest, and white body, while females are brown with a similar profile. They breed in prairie wetlands and migrate to coastal areas and southern lakes for winter. Their strong, direct flight is a key identifier.
Canvasbacks prefer nesting in marshes with dense vegetation. Females build floating nests anchored to plants, keeping them hidden from predators. Ducklings leave the nest soon after hatching but remain near cover for safety.
They primarily consume aquatic vegetation, particularly wild celery, which influences their migration patterns. In winter, they shift to a diet of seeds, tubers, and small invertebrates, often diving deep to reach food sources.
Once heavily hunted, Canvasbacks saw sharp population declines. Hunting restrictions and habitat conservation have led to a slow recovery. Protecting wetland breeding grounds remains crucial for maintaining stable populations of this elegant diving duck.
18. Wood Duck
- Scientific name: Aix sponsa
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 48-54 cm (19-21 in)
- Weight: 454-862 g (1-1.9 lb)
- Wingspan: 66-73 cm (26-29 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves in late fall, some stay year-round.
The Wood Duck is one of North America’s most colorful ducks, with males displaying iridescent green heads, red eyes, and chestnut breasts. Females are brown with a white eye ring. Found across wooded wetlands in the U.S. and Canada, they nest in tree cavities and winter in the southern U.S. and Mexico.
Wood Ducks nest in tree cavities near water, choosing abandoned woodpecker holes or artificial nest boxes. They prefer spots high above the ground to protect their eggs from predators. Ducklings leap fearlessly from the nest within a day of hatching.
Their diet consists of seeds, aquatic plants, and insects, depending on availability. They forage in shallow water, dabbling for food near the surface. During fall, they consume acorns and grains, storing up energy before migration or winter.
Once overhunted, Wood Ducks nearly disappeared in the early 1900s. Strict hunting regulations, habitat conservation, and the introduction of nest boxes helped them recover. Today, they are one of the few conservation success stories, remaining common across North America.
19. Hooded Merganser
- Scientific name: Lophodytes cucullatus
- Life span: 6-12 years
- Size: 40-49 cm (16-19 in)
- Weight: 400-700 g (0.88-1.54 lb)
- Wingspan: 63-76 cm (25-30 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Some stay, others leave in spring.
The Hooded Merganser is a small duck with a distinctive fan-shaped crest. Males have a black-and-white head with a golden eye, while females are brown with a shaggy crest. They breed in wooded wetlands and winter in the southern U.S. Their slender, serrated bill helps them catch fish in shallow waters.
Hooded Mergansers nest in tree cavities near freshwater ponds and rivers. They readily use abandoned woodpecker holes or artificial nest boxes. Ducklings leave the nest shortly after hatching, making daring jumps to the ground before heading to water.
Their diet consists mainly of fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. Their thin, serrated bills allow them to grip slippery prey. Unlike dabbling ducks, they actively dive underwater, propelling themselves with their strong webbed feet.
Hooded Mergansers have benefited from wetland conservation efforts and nest box programs. While populations remain stable, habitat loss threatens suitable nesting sites. Protecting forests and wetlands is crucial for ensuring their continued success in North America.
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 common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves in early spring, returns in late fall.
The Red-breasted Merganser is a long-bodied diving duck with a spiky crest. Males have a dark head, rusty chest, and white neck ring, while females are grayish with a reddish head. They breed in northern wetlands and migrate to coastal waters in winter. Fast flyers, they are commonly seen in saltwater habitats.
Red-breasted Mergansers nest near coastal wetlands, often in grassy areas or among driftwood. They prefer undisturbed locations for nesting, laying eggs in well-hidden depressions lined with down for warmth and camouflage.
Their diet is mostly fish, though they occasionally consume crustaceans and aquatic insects. Their long, serrated bills help them grip slippery prey. They are fast and agile swimmers, diving deep to catch food in saltwater habitats.
While not considered threatened, pollution and habitat degradation affect their numbers. They depend on clean, fish-rich waters, making them vulnerable to environmental changes. Conservation programs focus on preserving coastal and freshwater breeding areas.
21. 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
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves in early spring, returns in fall.
The Redhead is named for the male’s reddish-brown head, black chest, and gray body. Females are plain brown with a pale face. They breed in North America’s prairie potholes and winter in the southern U.S. and Mexico. These diving ducks are often seen in large flocks on open water.
Redheads build floating nests in marshes, often near dense vegetation. They sometimes lay eggs in other ducks’ nests, a behavior called brood parasitism. Ducklings leave the nest soon after hatching but stay hidden among reeds.
They eat aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates, diving to reach food. During migration, they gather in large flocks on open water, feeding on submerged vegetation and occasionally consuming small fish or insects.
Conservation efforts focus on wetland preservation, as habitat loss has impacted their breeding success. Although populations remain stable, Redheads depend on protected areas for nesting and wintering grounds across North America.
Where to find them
Oklahoma offers fantastic opportunities to see ducks in their natural habitat, thanks to its diverse wetlands, lakes, and rivers. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just someone who enjoys a peaceful moment in nature, there are plenty of spots to explore. The best time to find ducks is during the cooler months when migratory species make their way to the state. Bring binoculars, a good pair of boots, and a little patience, and you’re set for a rewarding experience.
Four excellent places to find ducks in Oklahoma include:
- Lake Thunderbird State Park – This park near Norman is a prime spot, especially in winter, when you can see a variety of duck species along the lake’s edges.
- Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge – Located in northern Oklahoma, this refuge is a haven for migratory waterfowl and offers excellent viewing areas.
- Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Near Vian, this refuge provides great opportunities to spot ducks, especially during early mornings.
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge – This scenic refuge not only offers beautiful landscapes but also a chance to see ducks in ponds and lakes scattered throughout.
Conclusion
Oklahoma’s diverse wetlands, lakes, and rivers provide a vital home for many duck species, from the colourful Wood Duck to the graceful Northern Pintail. Whether breeding or migrating, these birds play an essential role in local ecosystems.
Conservation efforts, including wetland preservation and hunting regulations, help maintain healthy populations. For birdwatchers and nature lovers, Oklahoma offers countless opportunities to observe these fascinating waterfowl up close, making it a great state to experience the beauty of ducks in the wild.
