Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands are home to an incredible variety of ducks, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re spotting the familiar Mallard or the striking Wood Duck, each species brings its own unique charm. Ducks in Wisconsin can be seen diving, dabbling, and foraging across the state’s waterways, offering endless opportunities to observe their fascinating behaviors.
With 24 different species to discover, from the vibrant Northern Pintail to the sleek Bufflehead, Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes create the perfect backdrop for these waterfowl to thrive. Get ready to explore their world!
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, with males showcasing a green head and yellow bill, while females sport mottled brown plumage. Their iconic blue wing patches can be seen in flight, making them easily recognizable in wetlands.
Mallards typically nest on the ground, hidden in thick vegetation near water. The female creates a shallow depression lined with down and lays 8-13 eggs. They readily adapt to urban environments, sometimes nesting in surprising places.
Mallards are omnivores, eating a wide variety of foods like aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and small fish. They often forage in shallow water, dabbling with their heads submerged while their tails stick straight up.
Once at risk from overhunting, conservation efforts have helped Mallard populations thrive. They are now one of the most widespread duck species in North America, benefiting from wetland preservation and regulated hunting.
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
The elegant Northern Pintail is seen across North America, easily recognized by its long, pointed tail and slender neck. Males have a brown head and white breast, while females are more subdued in tan and brown tones.
Northern Pintails nest on the ground, often in open areas far from water. The female builds a shallow scrape lined with grasses, laying 7-9 eggs. Pintail nests are particularly vulnerable to predation due to their exposed locations.
Pintails forage in shallow water, feeding on seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates. They are known for their graceful dabbling and foraging in wetlands, often seen in flooded fields during migration.
Northern Pintails have faced population declines due to habitat loss and climate change. Conservationists work to restore wetlands and protect migratory stopovers to help this elegant species recover.
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: Breeding and common
Widespread across wetlands, Northern Shovelers are notable for their broad, spoon-shaped bills. Males sport green heads, white chests, and rusty flanks, while females appear in mottled brown with a paler, large bill.
Northern Shovelers nest in dense vegetation near water, with females creating a shallow, grass-lined depression. They lay 8-12 eggs. The nests are well-concealed, providing cover from predators like foxes and raccoons.
Known for their distinctive spoon-shaped bills, shovelers filter food from the water, feeding primarily on small aquatic invertebrates and seeds. They sweep their bills from side to side while swimming, catching prey efficiently.
Although stable, Northern Shovelers depend on healthy wetland ecosystems. Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding and migratory habitats, ensuring this species remains resilient in the face of environmental changes.
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
Found across North America, American Wigeons have a distinctive green band behind the males’ eyes and a white crown. Females are a muted brown with a grayer head, and both sexes feature a pale blue-gray bill tipped in black.
American Wigeons nest in dense grasses, typically away from water. The female builds the nest, often concealed under bushes or in tall grass, laying 6-12 eggs. The nest is well-hidden to protect from predators.
Wigeons feed mainly on aquatic plants and grasses, often grazing like geese. They are known for stealing food from diving ducks by snatching vegetation as it surfaces, showing their adaptability in foraging.
Populations of American Wigeons remain stable, benefiting from conservation programs focused on wetland restoration. Habitat loss and water pollution, however, still pose long-term threats to their breeding grounds.
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
A common sight in wooded wetlands, Wood Ducks are stunningly colourful. Males boast iridescent green crests and red eyes, while females have grayish-brown plumage with a white teardrop around the eyes and a blue wing patch.
Wood Ducks nest in tree cavities or artificial nest boxes near water. Females lay 6-16 eggs and line the nest with down. After hatching, ducklings leap from the cavity, sometimes from great heights, to reach water.
Wood Ducks are omnivores, feeding on seeds, fruits, insects, and small aquatic creatures. They forage in forests, swamps, and shallow wetlands, often in tree-lined habitats where food sources are abundant.
Once threatened by habitat loss, Wood Ducks have made a strong recovery thanks to conservation efforts, including the installation of nesting boxes and wetland restoration. Their populations are now thriving in many regions.
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
Common in North America, Blue-winged Teals are known for their blue shoulder patches, visible in flight. Males have a distinctive white crescent on a dark head, while females exhibit a more subtle brownish plumage with darker markings.
Blue-winged Teals nest on the ground in thick grass or low vegetation, typically near wetlands. Females build well-hidden nests, laying 6-14 eggs. They often choose sites with abundant cover to protect against predators.
Teals feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. They forage in shallow water, often skimming the surface or dabbling. During migration, they also feed on grains in agricultural fields.
Blue-winged Teal populations are stable but sensitive to habitat loss and wetland drainage. Conservation programs focused on wetland preservation and water management are key to maintaining their numbers.
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
Gadwalls are common across North America, particularly in wetlands. Males display intricate gray and brown plumage with white wing patches, while females are more subtly coloured with shades of brown and orange-billed.
Gadwalls nest in tall grasses or reeds, often far from water. Females build a well-concealed, cup-shaped nest from grasses and feathers, laying 7-12 eggs. Their nests are typically placed in dense cover to avoid predators.
Gadwalls are primarily herbivores, eating submerged aquatic plants. They are known to feed on the water’s surface, dabbling or grazing in shallow marshes. They occasionally consume insects and small invertebrates during the breeding season.
Gadwall populations have steadily increased due to wetland conservation. Though they remain vulnerable to habitat loss, they have adapted well to managed wildlife areas and benefit from regulated hunting efforts.
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
Green-winged Teals are widespread in wetlands, with males easily recognized by their chestnut heads and bright green ear patches. Females are a more muted brown with subtle markings, both sexes displaying a green wing patch in flight.
Green-winged Teals nest in dense grass near wetlands, with females building shallow ground nests hidden among vegetation. They lay 6-11 eggs and rely on the surrounding cover to shield the nest from predators.
Green-winged Teals primarily eat seeds and aquatic vegetation, but they also consume small invertebrates. They forage by dabbling in shallow water, often in groups, picking food from the water’s surface or just below.
Green-winged Teals are widespread, with stable populations. Wetland conservation efforts have been critical to supporting their habitats, but they remain vulnerable to habitat degradation and water pollution.
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: Breeding and common
Mostly found in the eastern U.S., American Black Ducks have dark brown bodies and paler heads. Males and females look similar, with the males sporting a yellow bill, while females have a duller olive bill.
American Black Ducks nest on the ground in marshes or wooded areas near water. Females build well-hidden nests in dense cover, laying 6-12 eggs, often choosing isolated locations to avoid predators.
These ducks forage in shallow waters, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates. They are skilled dabblers and often forage in coastal marshes or freshwater wetlands, preferring quiet, undisturbed areas.
Populations have declined due to habitat loss and competition with Mallards. Conservationists focus on wetland restoration and protecting coastal habitats to support the American Black Duck’s recovery.
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
Ring-necked Ducks are found throughout North America, with males sporting glossy black heads and white side stripes. Females are brown with a pale face and distinctive white eye ring. The faint chestnut neck ring is hard to spot.
Ring-necked Ducks nest in wetlands, with females building well-hidden nests in dense vegetation. They lay 6-14 eggs, typically choosing secluded marsh areas that offer protection from predators and stable water levels.
Ring-necked Ducks are diving ducks, feeding on aquatic plants and small invertebrates. They prefer shallow ponds and lakes, where they can forage efficiently, diving to find food in the vegetation below.
Wetland conservation has supported stable populations of Ring-necked Ducks. They benefit from protected breeding grounds and regulated hunting, though habitat loss remains a potential threat in some regions.
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
Seen across North American wetlands, Redheads are sociable diving ducks. Males have a cinnamon-red head, yellow eyes, and gray bodies, while females display brownish plumage with paler faces.
Redheads nest in wetlands, often building floating nests among dense vegetation. The female lays 7-10 eggs, sometimes practicing brood parasitism by laying eggs in the nests of other ducks like Canvasbacks.
Redheads are diving ducks, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates. They dive to the bottom of lakes and marshes to forage, showing strong diving skills as they search for submerged vegetation.
Redhead populations are stable, though they benefit from wetland conservation efforts. Protecting breeding and migratory habitats remains essential to their continued success, especially in regions facing habitat loss.
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
Common in North American waters, Buffleheads are small, striking ducks. Males feature iridescent purple-green heads with large white patches, while females are brown with a single white cheek patch.
Buffleheads nest in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes. The female lays 6-11 eggs and lines the nest with down. They prefer secluded nesting sites in forests near wetlands or lakes.
Buffleheads dive for food, feeding on aquatic invertebrates and small fish. They forage underwater, often staying submerged for long periods to catch prey, emerging with small crustaceans or insects.
Buffleheads benefit from wetland conservation and the protection of nesting sites. Their populations are stable, but habitat degradation, particularly the loss of old forests, could threaten them in the future.
13. 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
Ruddy Ducks are common in wetlands. Males in breeding plumage are unmistakable with chestnut bodies, bright blue bills, and stiff tails often cocked upright. Females are brown with a dark stripe through the face.
Ruddy Ducks nest in dense marsh vegetation, often building their nests over water. Females lay 6-10 eggs, and their well-concealed nests are constructed from grasses and lined with down, offering protection from predators.
Ruddy Ducks forage by diving, feeding on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and plant material. They often feed in deep water, using their stiff tails for balance while they search for prey underwater.
Ruddy Duck populations are stable, with wetland conservation helping protect their breeding grounds. However, habitat degradation in some regions still poses a threat to their long-term stability.
14. 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
Canvasbacks are large diving ducks, commonly found across North America. Males have striking red-brown heads, black breasts, and pale gray bodies, while females are a muted brown with dark eyes.
Canvasbacks nest in shallow wetlands, often building floating nests anchored to vegetation. The female lays 5-11 eggs and lines the nest with down, choosing locations where water levels remain stable throughout the season.
Canvasbacks are diving ducks, foraging on submerged aquatic vegetation and small invertebrates. They are skilled divers, using their strong legs to reach food deep underwater, especially in marshes and lakes.
Canvasback populations were once in decline due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts have led to a recovery, with wetland protection playing a key role in preserving their breeding and foraging habitats.
15. 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 common
Greater Scaups are diving ducks found in large water bodies. Males display a greenish head, white sides, and black chest, while females are brown with a bright white patch near the bill.
Greater Scaups nest in grassy wetlands or tundra areas near freshwater lakes. Females lay 6-14 eggs in well-concealed ground nests, often surrounded by thick vegetation to provide cover from predators.
Greater Scaups are diving ducks that primarily feed on aquatic plants, insects, and mollusks. They are known to forage in deep water, diving to significant depths to capture their prey.
Greater Scaup populations are stable but rely on the conservation of large wetland areas. Continued protection of their breeding and migratory habitats is essential, especially with ongoing threats like pollution and climate change.
16. 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 common across North American wetlands. Males have glossy black heads and white flanks with gray backs, while females are brown with a white patch near the bill.
Lesser Scaups build nests in dense wetland vegetation, often close to shallow water. Females lay 7-11 eggs, usually hidden from predators by thick cover, providing an ideal environment for raising their young.
Lesser Scaups dive for food, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and small crustaceans. They forage in shallow lakes and ponds, diving deep to find submerged vegetation and invertebrates.
Populations have seen declines due to habitat degradation. Wetland conservation efforts aim to restore vital breeding and foraging areas, with a focus on protecting water quality and reducing pollution.
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, found across wooded wetlands, are known for their striking crests. Males have a black-and-white fan-like crest, while females are brown with a cinnamon crest. Their slim, serrated bills distinguish them from other ducks.
Hooded Mergansers nest in tree cavities, with females laying 7-13 eggs. They often use old woodpecker holes or artificial nest boxes, providing safe, elevated nesting sites close to water.
Hooded Mergansers are expert fish hunters, diving underwater to catch small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Their serrated bills help them grasp slippery prey, making them efficient hunters in rivers and lakes.
Hooded Mergansers have stable populations, benefiting from wetland preservation and nesting box programs. However, they remain vulnerable to deforestation and water pollution, which can degrade their habitat.
18. Long-tailed Duck
- Scientific name: Clangula hyemalis
- Life span: 6-12 years
- Size: 43-58 cm (17-23 in)
- Weight: 430-1,160 g (0.95-2.6 lb)
- Wingspan: 61-84 cm (24-33 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
Seen mostly in winter, Long-tailed Ducks inhabit the Great Lakes region. Males are striking with long tail feathers and contrasting black-and-white plumage, while females are brown with shorter tails and muted markings.
Long-tailed Ducks nest in the Arctic, building their nests near freshwater lakes. Females lay 6-8 eggs in well-hidden spots, often using moss and grass to insulate the nest and protect it from predators.
These expert divers feed on mollusks, small fish, and crustaceans, diving as deep as 200 feet. Their diet shifts based on season, with a preference for aquatic invertebrates in winter and early spring.
Long-tailed Duck populations are vulnerable to climate change and habitat loss, particularly in their Arctic breeding grounds. Conservation efforts focus on protecting both their breeding and wintering habitats.
19. 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 common
White-winged Scoters are large sea ducks seen on Great Lakes shores in winter. Males are black with white wing patches and eye markings, while females are brown with subtle white cheek patches.
White-winged Scoters nest near freshwater lakes in northern boreal forests and tundra regions. Females lay 5-9 eggs in nests hidden among vegetation, close to water for easy access to food.
White-winged Scoters dive to capture mollusks, small fish, and crustaceans, often foraging in coastal waters. They are strong swimmers, using their large, webbed feet to propel themselves underwater.
White-winged Scoter populations are declining due to habitat loss and environmental contamination. Conservation efforts are aimed at protecting their coastal wintering grounds and reducing pollution in key habitats.
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
Red-breasted Mergansers, common in coastal and inland waters, feature spiky crests. Males have dark green heads and cinnamon chests, while females are grayish-brown with a lighter belly and a shaggy crest.
Red-breasted Mergansers nest in hidden spots near water, often in grassy or shrubby areas. Females scrape shallow ground nests, laying 7-12 eggs. The location provides safety from predators while staying close to food sources.
These fast-diving ducks primarily hunt fish, using their long, serrated bills to grasp slippery prey underwater. Occasionally, they also consume crustaceans and aquatic insects. They often work together to herd fish into shallow waters.
Though stable, Red-breasted Merganser populations depend on clean water. Wetland and coastal habitat protection is crucial to their survival, particularly as pollution and habitat loss continue to threaten their ecosystems.
21. 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
Native to Central and South America, wild Muscovy Ducks are rarely seen in the U.S. They are black with white wing patches and red facial wattles, while domesticated varieties, often spotted, have bulkier, colorful appearances.
Wild Muscovy Ducks nest in tree cavities, often near water. Females lay 8-16 eggs and provide strong parental care. Domesticated Muscovies may nest in human-made structures, with adaptable behavior across different environments.
Muscovy Ducks are omnivores, feeding on plants, small vertebrates, and insects. Wild populations forage in wetlands and forests, while domesticated birds often scavenge human-provided food.
Wild Muscovy Ducks are rare in the U.S., with domesticated varieties more common. Conservation efforts focus on preserving wetland habitats in their native range, primarily in Central and South America.
22. Black Scoter
- Scientific name: Melanitta americana
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 43-54 cm (17-21 in)
- Weight: 30.4-38.8 oz (862-1100 g)
- Wingspan: 79-91 cm (31-36 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
Found along coasts in winter, Black Scoters are sea ducks with males entirely black and bright orange bills. Females are brown with pale cheeks, contrasting against their darker bodies.
Black Scoters nest on the ground in the remote tundra or boreal forests. Females lay 5-9 eggs in shallow scrapes lined with vegetation, often near freshwater lakes where they can easily access food.
Black Scoters dive for mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish, often foraging in coastal waters. Their strong diving ability allows them to reach the ocean floor to find their preferred prey.
Black Scoter populations have declined due to habitat degradation and pollution. Conservation efforts focus on protecting coastal and marine habitats, as well as reducing oil spills and other pollutants.
23. 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 widespread in North American lakes. Males have dark green heads with a white cheek patch, while females are brown-headed with a gray body and a yellow-tipped bill.
Common Goldeneyes nest in tree cavities, often using abandoned woodpecker holes. Females lay 5-11 eggs, and the nests are typically located in forests near lakes or rivers, offering security from predators.
Goldeneyes are diving ducks, feeding on aquatic invertebrates, fish, and plant material. They dive underwater to catch prey, using their sharp eyesight to find food in deeper waters.
Common Goldeneyes have benefited from wetland conservation and nesting box programs. Their populations remain stable, but they are sensitive to deforestation and loss of old-growth trees that provide nesting sites.
24. 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: Breeding and common
Found in North American rivers and lakes, Common Mergansers have sleek, serrated bills. Males have green heads and white bodies, while females are gray with a distinctive chestnut head.
Common Mergansers nest in tree cavities or cliff crevices, usually close to rivers and lakes. Females lay 6-13 eggs in secluded spots, and after hatching, the ducklings leap to the ground or water soon after.
These skilled hunters primarily feed on fish, catching them with their serrated bills. They also eat aquatic invertebrates like crustaceans and insects, making them efficient foragers in freshwater ecosystems.
Common Mergansers benefit from conservation efforts focused on protecting freshwater habitats. While stable, they are sensitive to water pollution and loss of nesting sites, making clean waterways essential for their long-term survival.
Where to find Ducks in Wisconsin
If you’re looking to spot ducks in Wisconsin, you’re in for a treat! The state is full of wetlands, lakes, and rivers where ducks thrive, making it a perfect destination for birdwatchers. To find ducks, head to these watery habitats, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they’re most active.
Bring a pair of binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for movement on the water or in the reeds. You’ll often see them dabbling near the shore or diving for food in deeper water.
Here are four great areas to explore:
- Horicon Marsh: This is a must-visit! As one of the largest freshwater marshes in the U.S., Horicon is a haven for many duck species, especially during migration.
- Crex Meadows Wildlife Area: Located in Grantsburg, this vast wetland is home to breeding ducks and is a hotspot during migration.
- Mississippi River near La Crosse: A prime spot for spotting ducks during their migratory journey, the wide river offers plenty of places to watch from.
- Necedah National Wildlife Refuge: A diverse area with lakes and wetlands, perfect for watching ducks, particularly in the spring and fall.
Conclusion
Ducks in Wisconsin offer a captivating glimpse into the state’s rich biodiversity, whether you’re watching them dabble in wetlands or dive in deeper waters. With a variety of species found across diverse habitats, duck watching here is both accessible and rewarding.
From the Horicon Marsh to Necedah Refuge, Wisconsin provides countless opportunities to observe these fascinating birds. Embrace the beauty of nature and discover the vibrant world of ducks in Wisconsin!
