Nature lovers in Florida don’t normally see many species of wild ducks during the summer. Of course, we see some wild duck species, but in winter, our normal population of ducks explodes as migration brings us species that are here for their winter vacation. From Ruddy ducks to Redheads and Northern Shovelers, our ponds and waterways are busy. You won’t need a license to hunt for these ducks; you just need a cup of coffee, a comfy chair, and perhaps some binoculars.
Duck species are grouped using names that describe their feeding behaviors. Diving ducks dive beneath the water’s surface to find food. This group includes the Hooded Merganser and Ring-necked species. Dabbling ducks are those which search for food with their heads underwater and their rumps sticking up in the air. Mallards, Blue-winged Teals and Fulvous Whistling-Ducks are all types of dabbling ducks.
The Science of Birds website explains that ducks “use their bills to chow down on plants of one kind or another. So they’re generally herbivorous. But you won’t be surprised to hear that there is a fair amount of dietary variation among species. Not all of them are herbivores. Some of these birds specialize in catching animal prey like fish.”
A great many of the ducks which spend the winter in Florida have flown here from our northern states or Canada. Once they arrive, they will settle into one area or territory. Adults are “looking for love” while they are on their winter break. It is here that they will form new pair bonds for next season. They stay until next year, when the days get longer and nature reminds them that it’s time to tend to family matters at a more northern latitude.
As mentioned, the Blue-winged Teal duck is a small dabbling duck. They are considerably smaller than Mallards, which spend all year with us. With a wingspan of about 22 inches, they weigh only about a pound or less. The All About Birds website states that this species is “vulnerable to loss of wetlands, pesticide contamination, and consumption of lead shot.”
Hooded Mergansers are also small, but they are larger than the Blue-winged Teal species. These are diving ducks which weigh about 25 ounces. They have thin serrated bills that they use to hunt for small fish, amphibians, crayfish, and more. They are well known for their collapsible “hood,” which makes the head look oversized. The adult male’s black head has a large white patch that varies in size when his crest is raised or lowered.
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive in central Florida is a wonderful spot to see thousands of ducks during the winter. It is a great day trip for the whole family. You can view ducks, alligators, bob cats and more birds than you can count, all from the comfort of your car. The beautiful Fulvous Whistling-Duck, a dabbling duck, can be found here all year. They like to eat invertebrates and seeds from aquatic plants. They often roost in forested areas next to marshes or rivers, which is why they were previously named the Fulvous Tree Duck.
Speaking of ducks, please spread the word that it is not good to feed bread to ducks of any kind. Bread and crackers have no nutritional value and can cause malnutrition and painful deformities if consumed too much. Uneaten, soggy bread will pollute their water supply and attract rodents.
As always, be respectful around all wildlife. Please give them the space they need; use binoculars and zoom lenses to get a better look or photo. For more information about ducks, go to www.allaboutbirds.com.