Ducks in Florida are an integral part of the state’s ecosystem.
Here’s 25 types of Ducks in Florida…
If you are a birdwatcher or a nature enthusiast, you will be amazed by the variety of ducks that call Florida home…
25 Types of Ducks in Florida
There are over 25 species of ducks in Florida, ranging from the common mallard to the rare and elusive white-winged scoter.
Here’s some of the most common ducks found in Florida…
1. Mallard
The Mallard is the most common duck species in Florida, with a green head and white neck ring in males and a brown mottled plumage in females.
2.White-Cheeked Pintail
The White-Cheeked Pintail is a medium-sized duck with a distinctive white cheek patch. The male has a brown head, while the female has a mottled brown plumage.
3. American Wigeon
The American Wigeon is a medium-sized duck with a distinctive white patch on its crown. The male has a green band on its head and a grey body, while the female has a brownish-grey body.
4. American Black Duck
The American Black Duck is a large duck with a dark brown plumage. The male has a greenish-yellow bill, while the female has a duller bill.
5. Mottled Duck
The Mottled Duck is a native species of Florida and is similar in appearance to the Mallard. The male and female Mottled Ducks have a mottled brown plumage and a blue-grey bill.
6. Northern Pintail
The Northern Pintail is a slender duck with a distinctive long neck and pointed tail. The male has a brown head and a white neck, while the female has a mottled brown plumage.
7. Gadwall
The Gadwall is a medium-sized duck with a mottled brown plumage. The male has a grey body and a black rear end, while the female has a brownish-grey body.
8. Redhead
The Redhead is a medium-sized diving duck with a distinctive red head and neck. The male has a grey body, while the female has a brownish-grey body.
9. Greater Scaup
The Greater Scaup is a diving duck with a black head and a white back. The male has a dark breast, while the female has a brownish-grey body.
10. Canvasback
The Canvasback is a diving duck with a distinctive red head and neck. The male has a grey body, while the female has a brownish-grey body.
11. Ring-necked Duck
The Ring-necked Duck is a diving duck with a black head and a white ring around its bill. The male has a grey body with a black back, while the female has a brownish-grey body.
13. Cinnamon Teal
The Cinnamon Teal is a small dabbling duck with a distinctive reddish-brown plumage. The male has a cinnamon-coloured head, while the female has a mottled brown plumage.
14. Northern Shoveler
The Northern Shoveler is a dabbling duck with a large spoon-shaped bill, which it uses to sift through mud and water for food. The male has a green head, white chest, and chestnut-coloured sides, while the female has a mottled brown plumage.
15. Blue-Winged Teal
The Blue-Winged Teal is a small duck with a dark head and a distinctive white crescent on its face. The male has a vibrant blue-grey body with a cinnamon-coloured head, while the female has a mottled brown plumage.
16.Harlequin Duck
The Harlequin Duck is a small diving duck with a distinctive blue-grey plumage and white spots. The male has a dark head with a white crescent around its neck, while the female hasa mottled brown plumage.
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17. Bufflehead
The Bufflehead is a small diving duck with a distinctive white head and black back. The male has a large white patch on the back of its head, while the female has a brownish-grey body.
18. King Eider
The King Eider is a large diving duck with a distinctive green head and neck. The male has a black and white plumage with a bright orange bill, while the female has a brownish-grey body.
19. Long-Tailed Duck
The Long-Tailed Duck is a diving duck with a distinctive long tail. The male has a black and white plumage with a reddish-brown head, while the female has a brownish-grey body.
20. Surf Scoter
The Surf Scoter is a diving duck with a distinctive black and white plumage. The male has a black head with a white patch around its eye, while the female has a brownish-grey body.
21. Common Goldeneye
The Common Goldeneye is a diving duck with a distinctive green head and white patch on its face. The male has a black and white plumage with a yellow eye, while the female has a brownish-grey body.
22. Common Merganser
The Common Merganser is a diving duck with a distinctive green head and white body. The male has a black back and a red bill, while the female has a brownish-grey body.
23. Ruddy Duck
The Ruddy Duck is a small diving duck with a distinctive blue bill and a bright blue bill during breeding season. The male has a brown body with a black cap, while the female has a brownish-grey body.
24. Wood Duck
The Wood Duck is one of the most colourful ducks in North America, with its iridescent green, purple, and white plumage. The male Wood Duck has a striking multicoloured head, while the female has a grey-brown head.
25. Duck -Maske
The Masked Duck is a small, secretive duck with a distinctive white patch on its face. The male and female have a mottled brown plumage.
26. Muscovy Duck
The Muscovy Duck is a large, domesticated duck with a distinctive red, warty face. The male has a black plumage, while the female has a brownish-grey body.
Ducks in Florida by Season
Florida has a diverse range of habitats, from saltwater marshes to freshwater lakes, providing a welcoming environment for ducks all year round. Here is a breakdown of ducks in Florida by season:
Winter
Winter is the best time to see ducks in Florida, as many species migrate south to escape the cold weather. The most common winter visitors are the Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, and Gadwall.
Spring
During the spring, many ducks begin to migrate north to their breeding grounds. The most common species you will see during the spring are the Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, and Mallard.
Summer
During the summer, many ducks leave Florida to breed in the northern United States and Canada. However, some species, such as the Mottled Duck and Wood Duck, are year-round residents of Florida.
Fall
In the fall, many ducks begin to migrate south to their wintering grounds. The most common species you will see during the fall are the Ring-necked Duck, Northern Shoveler, and Hooded Merganser.
Commonly Confused Ducks in Central Florida
Some ducks are commonly confused with one another in Central Florida. Northern Shoveler and American Wigeon have similar coloring, but the Shoveler has a much larger bill. The Common Goldeneye and Hooded Merganser have similar coloring, but the Goldeneye is much larger than the Merganser. The Gadwall and the American Coot have similar coloring, but the Coot is much smaller than the Gadwall. Lastly, the Northern Pintail and Cinnamon Teal look very similar, but the Pintail has a long slender tail compared to the shorter and wider tail of the Teal. By being able to recognize these ducks by their size, shape, and color, it will help in identifying them correctly. Knowing which species to look for can also help you enjoy the beauty of Central Florida’s ducks.
FAQs About Ducks In Florida
What kind of ducks does Florida have?
Florida is home to various species of ducks such as the Mottled Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Hooded Merganser, Redhead, Canvasback, and Ring-necked Duck. These ducks can be found in different habitats such as ponds, marshes, swamps, and coastal areas.
What are the big black and white ducks in Florida?
The big black and white ducks commonly seen in Florida are the Muscovy Ducks. Muscovy Ducks are the largest duck species in Florida and can weigh up to 15 pounds. They are recognized by their red, warty face and black and white feathers. Although they are domesticated in some areas, they are considered an invasive species in Florida.
How many ducks are in Florida?
There is no exact count of the number of ducks in Florida, but the state’s diverse habitats make it a popular destination for migratory ducks during the winter months. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, approximately 30,000 ducks are harvested by hunters annually in Florida.
Can you have a duck in Florida?
Yes, ducks can be kept as pets in Florida, but it is essential to follow the state’s regulations. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, domesticated ducks are not required to have a permit, but they must be obtained from a licensed dealer or breeder. It is also crucial to provide the ducks with proper care, housing, and food.
What is the big duck in Florida?
The big duck in Florida is the Muscovy Duck. As mentioned earlier, Muscovy Ducks are the largest duck species in Florida and are easily recognizable by their red, warty face and black and white feathers. Although they are not native to Florida, they have established a stable population and can be found in various habitats throughout the state.
Final Thoughts About Ducks In Florida
Florida’s diverse habitats provide an ideal environment for a wide range of duck species. From the common Mallard to the rare Harlequin Duck, Florida offers a unique opportunity for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate these magnificent creatures. Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Florida, take some time to observe these amazing ducks in their natural habitat.
