Indiana has an abundance and variety of ducks. They may be grouped into two types: puddle ducks and diving ducks. This guide will help you become familiar with both.

Learning to identify the different species of ducks found in the state can be rewarding to hunters and birdwatchers. Birdwatchers can add a new species to the birds on their list. Hunters can add to their daily bag limit.

When learning to identify ducks, there are several things to observe. Differences in size, shape, color, plumage patterns, flocking behavior, habitat and voice all help to distinguish one duck species from another.

Within the species, males, called drakes, have bright plumage, while the females, called hens, are drab. After the breeding season drakes molt into a drab eclipse plumage and resemble the hens for a few weeks. Most ducks shed their body feathers twice a year. Returning to breeding coloration varies in individuals and species.


PUDDLE DUCKS
Puddle ducks, also called dabbling ducks or surface-feeding ducks, are the largest and most widespread group of waterfowl in the world; they include the wild ducks most familiar to the residents of Indiana.

Puddle ducks frequent shallow water such as creeks, marshes, and ponds. Most swim with their tail held clear of the water. They generally have a colorful, iridescent speculum—a rectangular patch at the hind edge of the wing.

When feeding, they are often seen with their heads stretched underwater and their tails upended in the air. Any duck feeding in croplands will likely be from this group. Their legs are set nearly mid-point of the body, giving them good balance on land and the ability to walk and run comfortably.

Puddle ducks are known for their ability to land and take off almost vertically from small areas of land and water. They have large, powerful wings. When taking flight they spring directly into the air.


AMERICAN BLACK DUCK (Anas rubripes)
The American black duck, also called black mallard, dusky duck and red-legged duck, is a permanent resident of Indiana. It winters in great numbers in the southwestern part of the state.

Its diet includes eelgrass, wild rice, pondweeds, acorns and waste corn. Marshes, lakes and streams are suitable habitat. It is considered the wariest of North American ducks.

Identification: This is one of the few ducks in which the color of both sexes is almost identical. Plumage is dark, mottled brown with a lighter brown head, light underwings, a violet-blue speculum and orange to reddish orange feet. In nuptial plumage, the male sports a bright yellow bill; the female an olive green. They measure 24 to 28 inches long and weigh from 2 to 3 pounds. Females have a loud quack. Males a low, raspy rink and kwek-kwek call.

In flight: Flight is swift, usually in small flocks numbering from five to 25 birds. Silvery-white wing linings flashing against dark body plumage is good field identification.


WOOD DUCK (Aix sponsa)
The wood duck, also called woodie, summer duck, and tree duck, breeds throughout Indiana. It is a common spring and fall migrant and a casual winter resident. Its diet includes acorns, waste grain and berries. Wooded swamps, rivers and ponds are preferred habitat.

Identification: The drake’s breeding plumage is nothing short of exotic. His head is boldly patterned with iridescent maroon, green and purple. He has a distinctive white chin patch, bright red eyes and a white-and-red bill. Compared to the drake, the hen is quite plain. She is grayish-brown with a white belly and broad white eye rings. Both sexes have a bluish-green speculum tipped with black and white bars. Males whistle an ascending hoo-w-eet. Females squeal a shrill warning call cr-r-ek. They are from 18 to 20 inches long and weigh 1 1/2 pounds.

In flight: Wood ducks usually fly in small flocks. Flight is swift and direct. In the air, their wings make a rustling, swishing sound. The head is held above the level of the body, and the bill is pointed down at an angle. A white belly, dusky wings, dark breast, short neck and long, square tail are good field marks.

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