you could find ducks anywhere in the world , even in Florida . or so 41 different species of ducks may be found in Florida ; some of them are resident year - circular , while others are migrant , count on the clock time of year . Every duck in Florida partake the trait of always being near to a body of piss .
Different Types of Ducks in Florida
Gadwall (Dabbling Duck)
The Gadwall ( Dabbling Duck ) measures between 19 and 23 inches in distance , weighing approximately 35.27 snow leopard , with a wingspread ranging from 31 to 36 inch . Found twelvemonth - round in Florida , they frequent marshes , ponds , and lakes in summertime , transitioning to artificial lake , pond , and marshes in winter .
Male Gadwalls display delicate scalloped patterns , bootleg fanny , broadside , and gray - browned heads , while female demo larger patterns in light and dark brown with orange bills . Both sex have white offstage marks and in the first place feed on aquatic plants and invertebrates .
Greater Scaup (Diving Duck)
The Greater Scaup ( Diving Duck ) touchstone between 15 and 22 inches in distance , weighing from 1.5 to 2.9 pounds , with a wingspread traverse 28 to 33 inches . While not commonly found in most of Florida , they occasionally come out in the Panama City area during migration .
male boast predominantly white body with black and brown blackball on their backs and iridescent dark-green heads during breeding season . Females exhibit dark brown heads , light brown bodies , and thick pale pack around the base of their handbill .
Green-Winged Teal Duck (Dabbling Duck)
The lilliputian Green - fly Teal Duck ( Anas crecca ) , crop from 12.2 to 15.3 inches in distance and consider between 4.9 and 17.6 ounces , with a wingspread of 20.5 to 23.2 inches , winters throughout Florida .
They favor habitats like coastal estuaries , shallow lake , inland ponds , and tidal marshes , often seeking areas with abundant floating botany .
Male Green - Winged Teal Ducks sport gray body , burnt umber - brownish heads , iridescent green eye stripes , and fleeceable speculum on their wings . Immature males and females resemble each other , displaying light and dark brown plume , with females run around a scandalmongering bar on their empennage feathers . Despite their little sizing , they can take off directly from the water .
Harlequin Duck (Sea Duck)
Although not coarse in Florida , now and again , Harlequin Ducks ( Histrionicus histrionicus ) can be recognize in the province . Male Harlequin Ducks , with their slate blue bodies deck with intricate pattern , have black - outline stripes on their necks , chests , and heads , complemented by chestnut tree brown accents . Females are less splashy , gambol dark brown plume with a small white patch on their necks .
The Harlequin Duck typically evaluate between 15 and 21 inches ( 38 – 53 centimetre ) in duration , press about 24 apothecaries' ounce ( 680 g ) , and has a wingspan vagabond from 26 to 28 inches ( 66 – 71 cm ) . Aptly nicknamed the “ Sea Mouse , ” these ducks emit computer mouse - corresponding vocalizations , adding to their spectacular .
Hooded Merganser (Sea Duck)
Hooded Mergansers , although rarefied breeders in Florida , are a vulgar sight during the winter . It measures between 16 and 19 inches ( 41 – 48 centimeter ) in length , consider approximately 32.09 ounces ( 909 g-force ) , and feature a wingspread of 24 to 26 inches ( 61 – 66 cm ) .
male ostentate a striking bootleg and white crest , which they can wangle into a fan shape or a narrow stripe . Their bodies feature a admixture of black , clean , and brown , with a slick black bill . female sport a shaggy cinnamon - brown tip and lack distinctive markings , although some display lead of orangeness on their bills . bang as the “ frog duck’s egg , ” they emit a vox redolent of a pickerel frog .
King Eider (Sea Duck)
The King Eider , a sea duck , typically measure between 20 and 28 inch ( 50 – 70 cm ) in distance , weighs around 2.6 to 4.6 pound ( 1.2–2.1 kg ) , and brag a wingspan of 34 to 40 inches ( 86 – 102 cm ) .
While they typically winter along the Atlantic Coast of New England , some individuals have been keep migrating as far south as Florida .
Male King Eiders are distinguished by their oblong head , large orangish denture above their bright red account , and pitch-black and blanched body with a short puritanical crown . Female King Eiders , with their dim dark brown appearance and bleak bill , miss the vibrant colors of the males .
Lesser Scaup (Diving Duck)
Lesser Scaup , a diving duck’s egg , measures between 15 and 18 inch ( 38 – 49 atomic number 96 ) in length , librate approximately 40.77 ounces ( 1155 g ) , and possesses a wingspan of 24 to 33 inches ( 61 – 84 cm ) . These duck migrate to Florida for the winter , often alongside Greater Scaup .
Male Lesser Scaup resemble their relatives with iridescent green and purple head and greyish and black block eubstance . Females are dreary brown with a bloodless face spot near their bill ’ basis . An easy way to differentiate Lesser from Greater Scaup is by the former ’s bantam peak - like feathers on their heads . Lesser Scaup employ camouflage andfeigning deathas their main defense mechanism .
Long-Tailed Duck (Sea Duck)
Long - tail Ducks , with length ranging from 15 to 22 inches ( 38 – 56 cm ) , and weigh around 31.74 Panthera uncia ( 900 g ) , have a wingspan of 26 to 31 inches ( 66 – 79 cm ) . While most continue in the Arctic after breeding , some migrate to Florida , staying offshore .
They exhibit remarkable color reversals between breeding and non - breeding season . Males and female undergo complete transformation , with black areas reverse snowy and vice versa , making them unique among ducks .
Mallard Duck (Dabbling Duck)
Mallard Ducks ( Anas platyrhynchos ) , ranging from 19.7 to 25.6 inches ( 50 – 65 centimeter ) in distance and weighing between 35.3 and 45.9 Panthera uncia ( 1000 – 1300 g ) , have a wingspread of 32.3 to 37.4 inch ( 82 – 95 cm ) . As one of the most plebeian ducks globally , they dominate North America and are abundant inFlorida , particularly in the winter .
Anas platyrhynchos play a vital ecologic role by dispersing seeds while foraging , contributing to wetland biodiversity . Their iconic appearance makes them easily recognizable and democratic in various grade of nontextual matter and ornamentation .
Masked Duck (Diving Duck)
disguise duck’s egg ( Nomonyx dominicus ) are petite diver , measure between 11.8 and 14.1 column inch ( 30 – 36 centimetre ) in duration and weighing just 9.7 to 15.8 ounces ( 275 – 450 g ) , with a wingspan of 16.9 inches ( 43 cm ) . While typically found in tropical region , occasional visitors reach Texas and Florida annually .
Males run around classifiable blackened face mask over their eyes , complementing their rusty - brown bodies and blue bills with black tips . female feature cream - emblazon face with two benighted stripes , alongside sullen brownish plumage and black bills . As nocturnal feeders , they pose a challenge for investigator due to their elusive nature . Their diet comprises primarily aquatic plants and seeds , add on with crustaceans and aquaticinsects .
Mottled Duck (Dabbling Duck)
The Mottled Duck ( Anas fulvigula ) is a distinctive dabbling duck’s egg , cross 18.5 to 21 inch ( 47 - 53 cm ) in duration and weighing between 24.7 and 40.6 ounces .
With a wingspan rove from 31.5 to 34.3 column inch ( 80 - 87 cm ) , both males and female sport light and dark brown streaks and white-livered bank bill , though female person come along slightly less vivacious , with a hint of greenish on their bills .
They often interbreed with Mallard Ducks , flummox a threat to their natural selection , especially with the release of pet Mallards in Florida and other southeasterly regions . Despite being primarily found in Florida , Louisiana , and Texas , they have also been introduce to South Carolina by duck hunting watch .
Muscovy Duck (Dabbling Duck)
Muscovy Ducks ( Cairina moschata ) are sizable dabbling duck , measuring between 26 to 33 in ( 66 - 84 cm ) in length and weighing from 2.4 to 9.0 quid ( 1.1 - 4.1 kilogram ) .
With a wingspan ranging from 54 to 60 inch ( 137 - 152 cm ) , these duck are considered invasive in Florida , where they outcompete native metal money and cause property scathe .
While the male boast a mostlyblack plumage with white patches on their wingsand red facial tegument , female are smaller with a alike black - and - white appearance .
Northern Pintail (Dabbling Duck)
Northern Pintails ( Anas acuta ) , valuate 20 to 26 inch ( 51 - 66 cm ) in distance and weighing 36.33 apothecaries' ounce ( 1030 g ) , wintertime in Florida , favor shallow , turbid urine in both inland and coastal part .
Male Pintails are distinguished by their long , point tail feathering , although these are typically lost before their arriver in Florida . Their bodies exhibit a mix of grizzly , white , black , and brown , with dark brown head and a white cervix stripe . female possess short point tails and intricately model brownish bodies .
Northern Shoveler (Dabbling Duck)
During the winter month , Northern Shovelers ( Spatula clypeata ) are commonly establish in Florida , where they favour fresh water and brackish marshes and ponds .
Measuring between 17.3 and 20.1 inches ( 44 to 51 centimetre ) in length and press approximately 14.1 to 28.9 apothecaries' ounce ( 400 to 820 g ) , with a wingspan range from 27.2 to 33.1 in ( 69 to 84 cm ) , these duck exhibit noted intimate dimorphism .
The male display an iridescent green head and a typical spatula - shaped black bill , while females have drear chocolate-brown heads and bodies with various shade of John Brown . They employ a unequaled defence mechanism by ca-ca on their ballock to deter predators .
Red-Breasted Merganser (Sea Duck)
During the wintertime month , Red - Breasted Mergansers ( Mergus serrator ) can be spotted in Florida , principally in the cryptical water of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico . Rarely seen inland , these ducks are swift flyer , reaching swiftness of up to 81 miles per hour .
Male Red - Breasted Mergansers sport bushy crests , dark fleeceable head , and distinctive white neck opening collar . female display cinnamon - brown heads with crests , complemented by grey - brown bodies and bloodless pharynx . Their serrated bills are practiced at bust aside minuscule fish , tadpoles , aquaticinsects , and crustaceans .
The Red - Breasted Merganser ( Mergus serrator ) measures between 16 and 26 inches ( 41 to 66 cm ) in distance , count approximately 47.61 ounces ( 1349 g ) , and has a wingspread pasture from 31 to 35 inches ( 79 to 89 cm ) .
Redhead Duck (Diving Duck)
In wintertime , Florida teem with Redhead Ducks ( Aythya americana ) , specially near Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor rivers . favor deep waters , they avoid forests and are vulnerable to brood parasitism , particularly near Canvasbacks .
Males boast blue cerise - brown head , black bureau , and grey-haired binding , with dark gray-headed bills tip in black . Females , resemble Male in bill coloration , are unremarkable in brown .
With length of 18 - 22 column inch ( 46 - 56 atomic number 96 ) , weighting averaging 43.03 ounces ( 1219 gram ) , and wingspans ranging from 29 to 35 inches ( 74 - 89 cm ) , redhead are unmistakable diving duck .
Ring-Necked Duck (Diving Duck)
The Ring - Necked Duck , a common winter resident in Florida , patronise small lakes , pool , and deluge lands . Despite its name , the copper color ring around its cervix is scarcely seeable . Instead , it sports a salient ashen ring at the nucleotide of its bill .
male are mostly black with gray side , while female are brown and miss the livid outline around the bill base . Their length range from 14 to 18 inches ( 36 - 46 cm ) , with weights average out 32.09 ounces ( 909 yard ) , and wingspan sweep 24 to 30 inches ( 61 - 76 centimeter ) .
Ruddy Duck (Diving Duck)
Ruddy Ducks are vulgar winter residents in Florida , favor protect estuaries and coastal Marsh . During the bringing up time of year , sighting of these ducks in the United States Department of State are passing rarefied .
Male Ruddy Ducks shoot a line coloured coloring in summer , include a black head and brown torso with a prominent white impertinence patch . Their color blow over to a dull gray by winter . Females are dappled brown with a gray cheek patch and a black vizor .
They measure 14 - 16 inch ( 35.56 - 40.64 cm ) in distance , weigh 28.04 ounces ( 795 g ) , and have a wingspread of 21 - 24 inch ( 53 - 61 cm ) .
Surf Scoter (Sea Duck)
Surf Scoters , distinguish by their unique characteristics , arecommonly receive in specific area along Florida’snorthern coasts and the open waters surrounding the peninsula .
Male exhibit preponderantly black plumage with sloping forehead and a vivacious bill showcasing hue of orange , red , yellow , opprobrious , and lily-white . Notably , they feature two prominent blanched mend — one above the greenback and another at the basis of the cervix . In contrast , females are smaller , adorned in gloomy gray plumage with bloodless speckle on the cervix and behind each oculus , companion by a dark greyish bill .
With a length ranging from 17 to 21 column inch ( 43 to 53 cm ) , a weight of 35.27 ounce ( 1000 g ) , and a wingspread traverse 30 to 36 inches ( 76 to 91 centimeter ) , Surf Scoters are strike seabirds flourish in Florida ’s coastal waters .
White-Cheeked Pintail (Dabbling Duck)
White - Cheeked Pintails , twelvemonth - round Caribbean residents , now and again wander into Florida as accidental visitors . They sport long , pointy tails , a characteristic specify pintail , complemented by bright white brass .
The White - Cheeked Pintail ( Anas bahamensis ) criterion between 22.8 and 25.5 in ( 58 to 65 atomic number 96 ) in distance , weighs approximately 17.7 to 20.7 ounces ( 503 to 569 gram ) , and shoot a line a wingspread drift from 23.6 to 26.7 inches ( 60 to 68 cm ) .
Resembling female Northern Pintails , both grammatical gender feature bill with a mix of black and orange chromaticity . Despite their similarity in show , these ducks inhabit a variety of freshwater and saltwater habitats , add up to the multifariousness of Florida ’s avian population .
White-Winged Scoter (Sea Duck)
White - Winged Scoters are rarified sights in most ofFlorida , but some can be spotted near Pensacola and Jacksonville during winter .
The White - Winged Scoter measures between 19 to 24 inches ( 48 to 61 cm ) in length , weighs about 62.4 ounces ( 1768 grams ) , and boasts a wingspread span 33 to 41 inch ( 84 to 104 cm ) .
Male and female White - wing Scoters share alike appearances with dark soundbox and compact bills . However , males are somewhat darker and lark a white comma butterfly shape over their eyes , while females have small white-hot patches on each cheek . A illustrious distinction is the color of their bills , with females make entirely black bills and males featuring ruby bills from the halfway distributor point forward .
Wood Duck (Dabbling Duck)
Wood Ducks , year - unit of ammunition residents in Florida , increase in bit during winter . They nest in tree diagram cavities near wetland during summer , favoring vege out area in winter .
Male flaunt vibrant feather with chestnut breasts , greenish heads , and longsighted crests . They comport clean stripes and multi - colorful bills . female , with little crests , variation gray head , chocolate-brown body , and white - outlined optic .
Wood Ducks appraise 18.5 to 21.3 inches ( 47 to 54 cm ) in length , weigh 16.0 to 30.4 ounces ( 454 to 862 g ) , and have a wingspread of 26.0 to 28.7 in ( 66 to 73 cm ) .
American Black Duck (Dabbling Duck)
The American Black Duck ( Anas rubripes ) is an exclusive metal money inhabiting the eastern one-half of North America . Ranging from 21.3 to 23.2 inches in duration and weighing 25.4 to 57.9 ounces , these ducks ostentate a wingspan of 34.6 to 37.4 inch .
The manly American Black Duck stands out with its glowering brown body and shiny naughty speculum on the wings , visible during flight . Resembling distaff Mallards , their distinguishing feature article is the yellow bill , while distaff Mallards have an orangeish - gray bill . Females sport a lighter chocolate-brown plumage with a green neb . These ducks prefer wooded habitat like marshes , rivers , and pond , with deforestation pose a scourge to their endurance .
American Wigeon (Dabbling Duck)
The American Wigeon ( Mareca americana ) , a dabbling duck’s egg , stands out with its typical characteristic . Measuring up to 14 inches in length and weighing about 2.25 pounds , with a wingspan of 34 inch , these ducks are prevalent winter visitors in Florida and various regions across North America .
The male American Wigeon , nicknamed “ baldpate , ” gasconade a striking appearance , characterized by a bright white crown , contrasting brown forefront and body , iridescent green dapple over the eyes , black - atilt wings , and a bluish - white-haired bill .
Black-Bellied Whistling Duck (Tree Duck/Dabbling Duck)
The Black - Bellied Whistling Duck ( Dendrocygna autumnalis ) , also have intercourse as the Tree Duck or Dabbling Duck , is a typical species with identifiable characteristics . Measuring between 19 and 22 in in distance , with a weight drift from 652 to 1020 g and a wingspan of 30 to 37 inches , these ducks have been a regular presence in Florida since 1968 , in the main inhabiting the peninsula .
They are live for their whistle calls while flying , swimming , or place upright . Sexually monomorphic , both male and distaff Black - Bellied Whistling Ducks have a dark chocolate-brown crest , brown breast , grey cheek , pinkish bills , and black belly . They utilize junk dozens or Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree cavities for nesting instead of manufacture their own .
Black Scoter (Diving Duck)
The Black Scoter ( Melanitta americana ) , a diving duck’s egg , showcases distinct lineament for recognition . Ranging from 17 to 21 inches in length , weighing approximately 1088 Hans C. J. Gram , with a wingspan of 30 to 35 in , these duck predominantly wintertime along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the Eastern US .
Males are differentiate by their shameful plumage and orange bulge at the basis of the note , while female person expose blotch scant brownish plumage , dark brown crowns , grey cheek , and black bills .
Blue-Winged Teal Duck (Dabbling Duck)
The Blue - Winged Teal Duck ( Spatula discors ) is a dabbling duck with unique identifying feature of speech . Typically measure out 15 to 17 inches in length , weighing around 19.18 ounces , with a wingspan of 23 to 31 inches , they are uncommon nest occupant of Florida , often seen in winter in grassy ponds and calm Marsh .
Male Blue - wing Teal Ducks have gray heads , mottled brown bodies , white crescent - determine patches in front of their eyes , green speculum , and downcast articulatio humeri patches . female lack discrete facial markings and have brown bodies with speckles . They primarily feed on seeds . Despite their pocket-sized size , Blue - Winged Teal Ducks face mellow mortality rates due to their extensive migrant journeying between Canada and South America twice a year .
Bufflehead (Diving Duck)
The Bufflehead ( Bucephala albeola ) , a diving duck , display distinctive characteristic for identification . Measuring between 13 and 16 in in distance , weighing approximately 21.16 ounces , with a wingspan of 22 inches , these duck winter in northerly Florida , inhabiting inland pond and protected coastal coves .
Both male and female bufflehead have great , fluffy heads ; male have a striking color - block normal of blanched , nacreous viridity , and empurpled , while females sport morose grayheads with whitepatches on each cheek . Buffleheads are caries - denizen and can well adapt to nesting box . When note on landed estate , their minuscule , far - set leg may make them appear a chip clumsy .
Canvasback (Diving Duck)
The Canvasback ( Aythya valisineria ) , a diving duck , displays typical characteristic for identification . Typically measuring between 19 and 24 inches in length , weighing around 58.48 ounces , with a wingspan of 28 to 36 in , these duck are regular winter occupier ofFlorida , often line up in ponds and marshland such as Apopka Lake and Viera Wetlands .
The male Canvasback boasts a reddish - chocolate-brown school principal with a prominent , sloping forehead , canvas - hoary consistence , thick contraband bill , cherry eyes , and a black tail . Females exhibit like patterning but in muted colors with red-faced eyes . Their dieting principally consists of wild Apium graveolens dulce , a nativeplant in Florida . track the bearing of wild Apium graveolens dulce can conduce to espy Canvasbacks .
Cinnamon Teal Duck (Dabbling Duck)
Cinnamon Teal Ducks ( Spatula cyanoptera ) , though rarified visitors to Florida , are occasionally tell apart in the state during winter , including Merritt Island . male person exhibit vibrant colors during breeding time of year with a non-white rusty - chocolate-brown head , black primary plume , and green secondary feathers , while winter male expose melt coloring resembling female . female are coarsely mottled in blue and light Brown University , lark a thick black bill . Both genders valuate around 11 inches in length , weighing between 12.6 and 18.2 ounces , with a wingspan of 25 inches .
Common Eider (Sea Duck)
The Common Eider ( Somateria mollissima ) , a sea duck’s egg , is a rare winter visitant in Florida , mainly breeding along the Arctic Ocean and Hudson Bay . During non - breeding seasons , they migrate down the Atlantic Coast , at times attain Florida .
Male Common Eiders are big , sport black and snowy plume with short green neck coloring , and their poster coloring material varies . Immature males and females are brownish , with males display white patch . Females exhibit sullen brown and contraband barring on their bodies .
Common Goldeneye (Sea Duck)
The Common Goldeneye ( Bucephala clangula ) , a sea duck , is a wintertime visitant across most of the US after spawn in Canada , excluding the US southeast and inland Florida . Measuring 16 - 20 inches in length and weigh approximately 1.8 pounds , with a wingspan of 30.3 - 32.7 inches .
male boast iridescent green question , black and white soundbox , yellow oculus , and blank wing patches . Females exhibit brown bodies , black bills with yellow tips , and yellow - gold eyes . Their fast-growing behavior from time to time leads to the formation of inadvertent creches , where ducklings from dissimilar nests are fire together .
Common Merganser (Sea Duck)
The Common Merganser ( Mergus fish duck ) , a sea duck’s egg , is a winter resident along the Atlantic Coast , spanning from Newfoundland to the northern border of Florida . It measures 22 to 27 inch ( 56 to 69 atomic number 96 ) in length , count 60.8 ounces ( 1723 g ) , and has a wingspread of 31 to 37 inches ( 79 to 94 cm ) .
male feature an iridescent green heading , ashen belly , blackened eyes and back , and a long , bright red bill , while female cavort a reddish - brown head with a bushy crest and gray back and venter . Their serrated bills are specialized for exhaust fish , frogs , worms , and mollusks , aligning with their habitat preferences often seen alongside bufflehead .
Eurasian Wigeon (Dabbling Duck)
The Eurasian Wigeon ( Mareca genus Penelope ) , a dabbling duck’s egg , is a rare visitant toNorth America , typically find across Russia , Europe , and China . They on occasion transmigrate to the United States for wintertime , with Florida being one of the few states they confabulate .
Males sport a rufous head with a beige forehead , light brown chest , grey body , and a gray bill with a sinister tip . female person parade dark chocolate-brown plumage with a abstemious - colored paunch and dark markings on their backs , along with a bill resembling that of male person .
Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Tree Duck/Dabbling Duck)
The Fulvous Whistling - Duck ( Dendrocygna bicolor ) , a tree diagram duck’s egg or smatter duck’s egg , measures between 18 and 21 inch in duration , weighs 25 to 37 apothecaries' ounce , and boasts a wingspan of 33 to 40 inch . coarse gentility house physician of Florida for around 30 years , they inhabit freshwater wetlands across the country .
Sexually monomorphic , both male and females feature buff - brown bodies with black stripe on their back , along with long necks and legs . They are adept filter feeders , utilizing their bills to strain H2O and excerpt food .
