Ducks Pictures - Migration and Habitat
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Picture source:
Duke University Photography © 2001
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There are migratory and non-migratory ducks. Migratory ducks live in temperate and arctic areas, using southern regions as wintering area. Ducks that are accustomed to living in warm climatic areas tend to stay within their habitual range. It is possible, however, that they change
habitats dictated by weather conditions. Ducks have a wonderful ability to orient themselves and, more often than not, they return to exactly the same place they once left.
Most ducks gather near aquatic places for breeding. There are more opportunities for ducks to nest and to breed in low-latitude regions. Therefore, there is commonly a greater variety of species in southern latitudes. However, there are species that are well accustomed to breed in tundra regions. Those are eiders and northern pintails, which breed along with tundra swans and snow geese.
Ducks Pictures - Breeding
There is one interesting thing about ducks in relation to breeding, and that is their proneness to monogamy. In some cases, a pair may even last for the entire life. However, in most cases, relationships start weakening during the incubation stage and eventually the couple splits. Each year a new family appears.
The relationship begins with extravagant courtship displays, which involve to-and-fro movements and dances. An exaggerated striving for sprucing up becomes evident. After courtship, females start nesting and males protect females against other drakes (male ducks). Clutches average 5-8 eggs. Incubation period is 28 days.
Ducklings can feed almost immediately after they hatch. They also follow the mother to nearby water. In a way, the young are relatively independent, although they still seek the mother's protection against enemies. The duration of parental care is different among species of ducks.
Ducks Pictures - General Information Links
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Picture source:
Kathy Hancock © 2003
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Delta Duck Hunter - Contains links to wildlife agencies, weather links, river stages, and information for the successful waterfowl hunter.
Duck - Wikipedia - Information about ducks and species of ducks.
Duck Hunters Haven - Resource that contains a list of information and photo galleries for the southern areas of the central and Mississippi flyways.
Duck hunting - Duck hunting and goose hunting in southeast Missouri at MO Ducks.
Ducks - Ducks, Peking Duck, birds. A good photo gallery and owner's guide.
Ducks - General information on keeping, rearing, bedding and so forth.
Ducks at a Distance - Provides tips for identifying various species of waterfowl in flight. From the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service.
Ducks of the World - Includes photographs and facts about the physical characteristics, wintering territories, and nesting of selected species.
Ducks Unlimited - An international nonprofit wetlands, waterfowl, and wildlife conservation organization.
Ducks Unlimited: Waterfowl Gallery - General Information on various species.
Feeding Ducks - Click and read about feeders, waterers, feed quality and proper nutrition.
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Picture source:
The Assateague Naturalist © 1997-2003
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Gadwall (Anas strepera) - Details this species' distribution in the Americas and outside the America including facts about habitat and diet.
Grey Teal (Anas gracilis) - Facts about this bird's appearance, distribution, habitat, feeding habits, and nesting. Includes a photo
Pateke, The Brown Teal (Anas aucklandica) - Explains how loss of habitat has affected this species and describes its flocking and communal rooting behavior
Pintail (Anas acuta) - Identification, habitat, and distribution in Europe.
Raising Ducks - Gonna raise a duck? Click and learn how to do just that!
RSPCA: Campaigns - The cruelty of duck hunting.
Seaducks.org - Dedicated to the survival of the ducks of the tribe Mergini.
Southern Duck Hunter - Contains many resources for duck hunters including search capabilities, species information, and updated news articles.
Waterfowler.com Magazine - Features updated information, field reports, forums, and duck hunting product information.
Whio, The Blue Duck (Hymendaimus malacorhynchus) - Describes how this duck differs from other species including facts about its breeding and habitat.
Wild Ducks of North America - Information on duck diet, migration, habitat, coloration, and populations in North America.
World Almanac for Kids: Ducks - Courtship, reproduction, migration, kinds, and domestic ducks.
Wood Duck - The wood duck is considered by many bird watchers to be North America's most colorful waterfowl species.
Ducks Pictures - Other Ducks sites
Ducks Birds - Ducks belong to the family Anatidae along with swans and geese. There is still no definite agreement on the evolution of ducks and the number of species included. It is believed that tree ducks, also referred to as whistling ducks, make up a separate subfamily. The Tree ducks' physical attributes make one believe that they are more closely related to geese and swans rather than to the so called true ducks. In North America, there are four subfamilies of large ducks. They are dabbling (puddle) ducks, diving (bray) ducks, sea ducks, and stiff-tail ducks.
Sexes differ greatly in coloration. As a rule, male ducks have a striking appearance. They are brightly colored. Females, on the contrary, are dull in appearance. The female duck has gray and brown features. Bright coloration is very important for males. It serves as an indication of their physical condition and attracts females during the breeding season. Just the other way around, bright coloration may be lethal for females. It attracts predators during the nesting period and can lead to the damage of the newly hatched ducks.
Ducks Hunting - Ducks, along with geese and swans, belong to the family Anatinae. Like other waterfowl, they have webbed legs and greased plumage. This natural greasing prevents soaking and keeps the feathers almost dry. Ducks are smaller than their relatives are-geese and swans, and ducks flip their wings faster. They have shorter legs, which are set closer to the rear.
Male ducks (drakes) have colorful plumage and a distinctive speculum-shaped marking, which makes them look attractive for females. At the end of mating season 'eclipse molting' of a duck takes place. After that, drakes obtain a duller look and they are more like females at this time. Perhaps, it is in many ways due to that brilliance of plumage that there is so big of a mortality rate among drakes. Females are always dull, which makes them less conspicuous for predators and hunters. It is also safer for hatchlings that way.
