A diverse array of ducks in Georgia grace the wetlands, contributing to the region’s ecological richness.
A total of twelve distinct duck species call Georgia home, each bringing its unique characteristics and habits to the state’s waterways.
From the iconic Mallard to the intriguing Northern Pintail, these ducks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of local ecosystems.
In this exploration, we delve into the lives of these twelve duck species, unveiling their scientific names, sizes, diets, and conservation statuses.
The intricacies of their existence are a testament to the marvels of avian diversity and a call to action for preserving the habitats that sustain these magnificent waterfowl in the heart of the Peach State. Stay focused.
12 Ducks in Georgia
Discover the diverse waterfowl of Georgia’s wetlands, each with its unique characteristics.
From the vibrant Mallard to the elusive Mottled Duck, explore the lives of these birds, delving into their scientific names, sizes, diets, and conservation statuses.
1. American Wigeon
- Scientific Name: Anas americana
- Life Span: 6-14 years
- Size: 17-23 inches
- Weight: 1-3 pounds
- Food: Aquatic plants, grasses, grains, insects
- Wingspan: 2.5 feet
- Status: Stable
The American Wigeon, commonly found in Georgia, is a medium-sized dabbling duck with distinctive white crown patches and a sleek profile.
These ducks prefer shallow freshwater habitats and are often seen foraging for aquatic plants, grasses, and grains. Their diet occasionally includes insects. With a wingspan of around 2.5 feet, they are agile in flight.
These ducks are known for their sociable behaviour and are often seen in large flocks. During the breeding season, the males showcase vibrant plumage to attract females.
American Wigeons are adaptable birds, using a variety of habitats, including lakes, ponds, and marshes. Their populations in Georgia remain stable, reflecting the availability of suitable habitats for these ducks.
2. Gadwall
- Scientific Name: Anas strepera
- Life Span: 8-12 years
- Size: 19-22 inches
- Weight: 1.5-2.5 pounds
- Food: Aquatic plants, seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 2.5 feet
- Status: Stable
The Gadwall, a common duck in Georgia, is recognized by its subtle plumage and distinctive white speculum.
These dabbling ducks inhabit various wetland habitats, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, and insects. With a wingspan of 2.5 feet, they navigate wetlands with ease.
Gadwalls exhibit a nomadic lifestyle, often moving between different water bodies in search of optimal foraging conditions.
They are adaptable to both freshwater and brackish habitats. The stable status of Gadwall populations in Georgia suggests a successful coexistence with available resources in the region.
3. Northern Shoveler
- Scientific Name: Anas clypeata
- Life Span: 10-15 years
- Size: 18-22 inches
- Weight: 1-2 pounds
- Food: Aquatic invertebrates, seeds, plants
- Wingspan: 2.5 feet
- Status: Stable
The Northern Shoveler, a unique-looking duck in Georgia, is characterized by its large spatula-shaped bill. These dabbling ducks primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates, seeds, and plants.
Their adaptability to various wetland environments, including shallow lakes and marshes, contributes to their stable population in Georgia.
Northern Shovelers are social birds, often forming large flocks during migration and winter. They are known for their elaborate courtship displays, with males showcasing vibrant colours and intricate behaviours to attract mates.
The availability of suitable wetland habitats in Georgia ensures the continued stability of Northern Shoveler populations.
4. Canvasback
- Scientific Name: Aythya valisineria
- Life Span: 14-20 years
- Size: 19-22 inches
- Weight: 2-3 pounds
- Food: Aquatic plants, seeds, invertebrates
- Wingspan: 2.5 feet
- Status: Stable
The Canvasback, a diving duck in Georgia, is recognized by its distinctive red head and long, sloping profile.
These ducks feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates, diving to considerable depths for food. With a wingspan of 2.5 feet, Canvasbacks are powerful fliers.
Canvasbacks are often found in large open water bodies, including lakes and estuaries. They are known for their strong migratory instincts, covering vast distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
The stable status of Canvasback populations in Georgia reflects the conservation efforts and the presence of suitable habitats for these diving ducks.
5. Greater Scaup
- Scientific Name: Aythya marila
- Life Span: 10-15 years
- Size: 16-20 inches
- Weight: 1.5-3 pounds
- Food: Aquatic plants, mollusks, small fish
- Wingspan: 2.5 feet
- Status: Declining
The Greater Scaup, a medium-sized diving duck in Georgia, is recognized by its black-tipped blue bill and distinctive white sides.
These ducks primarily feed on aquatic plants, molluscs, and small fish, often diving to considerable depths. With a wingspan of 2.5 feet, they are powerful and agile fliers.
Greater Scaups are often found in larger bodies of water, including lakes and coastal areas. Unfortunately, their populations are declining, possibly due to habitat loss and changes in the availability of their preferred food sources.
Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring the survival of the Greater Scaup in Georgia.
6. Mallard
- Scientific Name: Anas platyrhynchos
- Life Span: 5-10 years
- Size: 20-28 inches
- Weight: 2-3 pounds
- Food: Seeds, aquatic plants, insects
- Wingspan: 2.5 feet
- Status: Stable
The Mallard, one of the most recognizable ducks, is common in Georgia. With its vibrant plumage and distinctive quacking, Mallards are adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including ponds, lakes, and rivers.
Their omnivorous diet includes seeds, aquatic plants, and insects. Mallards are known for their social behaviour and are often seen in mixed flocks with other duck species.
Their stable status in Georgia reflects their ability to thrive in diverse environments. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the continued coexistence of Mallards with human-dominated landscapes.
7. Northern Pintail
- Scientific Name: Anas acuta
- Life Span: 7-10 years
- Size: 21-29 inches
- Weight: 1-2 pounds
- Food: Seeds, aquatic invertebrates
- Wingspan: 2.5 feet
- Status: Declining
The Northern Pintail, characterized by its long neck and pointed tail, is a migratory dabbling duck in Georgia. Their diet consists mainly of seeds and aquatic invertebrates.
With a wingspan of 2.5 feet, they are strong and swift fliers, covering vast distances during migration.
Northern Pintails face challenges related to habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices, contributing to their declining populations.
Conservation efforts focused on preserving wetland habitats and addressing factors affecting their breeding success are crucial for the Northern Pintail’s survival in Georgia.
8. Redhead
- Scientific Name: Aythya Americana
- Life Span: 10-15 years
- Size: 16-22 inches
- Weight: 2-3 pounds
- Food: Aquatic plants, seeds, invertebrates
- Wingspan: 2.5 feet
- Status: Stable
The Redhead, a diving duck in Georgia, is known for its striking redhead and grey body.
These ducks feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates, diving to find food. With a wingspan of 2.5 feet, Redheads are skilled fliers.
Redheads are often found in shallow wetlands, including lakes and ponds. Their stable status in Georgia suggests that suitable habitats for feeding and breeding are available.
Conservation efforts focused on preserving these wetland habitats are essential to ensuring the continued stability of Redhead populations.
9. Ruddy Duck
- Scientific Name: Oxyura jamaicensis
- Life Span: 3-5 years
- Size: 13-18 inches
- Weight: 1-2 pounds
- Food: Aquatic plants, seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 1.5 feet
- Status: Stable
The Ruddy Duck, a small stiff-tailed diving duck, is found in Georgia with its distinctive bright blue bill and chestnut body.
These ducks feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and insects. With a relatively short wingspan of 1.5 feet, Ruddy Ducks are adapted for agile swimming and diving.
Ruddy Ducks often inhabit ponds, lakes, and marshes. Their stable status in Georgia indicates a successful coexistence with available habitats.
Conservation efforts to maintain water quality and preserve wetlands are crucial for the continued stability of Ruddy Duck populations.
10. Common Goldeneye
- Scientific Name: Bucephala clangula
- Life Span: 12-15 years
- Size: 18-22 inches
- Weight: 2-3 pounds
- Food: Aquatic invertebrates, small fish
- Wingspan: 2.5 feet
- Status: Stable
The Common Goldeneye, a medium-sized diving duck, is recognized by its striking black-and-white plumage and yellow eyes.
These ducks primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates and small fish, diving to considerable depths. With a wingspan of 2.5 feet, Common Goldeneyes are strong fliers.
Common Goldeneyes are often found in freshwater lakes and ponds. Their stable status in Georgia suggests a successful adaptation to available habitats.
Conservation efforts to protect and manage these freshwater ecosystems contribute to the continued stability of Common Goldeneye populations.
11. Mottled Duck
- Scientific Name: Anas fulvigula
- Life Span: 5-10 years
- Size: 20-22 inches
- Weight: 1.5-2.5 pounds
- Food: Seeds, aquatic plants, invertebrates
- Wingspan: 2.5 feet
- Status: Declining
The Mottled Duck, a dabbling duck with a mottled brown plumage, is native to the coastal regions of Georgia.
Their diet includes seeds, aquatic plants, and invertebrates. With a wingspan of 2.5 feet, Mottled Ducks are well-adapted to wetland environments.
Mottled Ducks face habitat loss and human disturbance challenges, contributing to their declining populations.
Conservation efforts focused on preserving coastal wetlands and addressing factors affecting their breeding success are crucial for the Mottled Duck’s survival in Georgia.
12. Wood Duck
- Scientific Name: Aix sponsa
- Life Span: 5-10 years
- Size: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 1-2 pounds
- Food: Acorns, seeds, aquatic invertebrates
- Wingspan: 2 feet
- Status: Stable
The Wood Duck, known for its vibrant and iridescent plumage, is a cavity-nesting duck found in Georgia. Their diet includes acorns, seeds, and aquatic invertebrates. With a wingspan of 2 feet, Wood Ducks are agile fliers.
Wood Ducks often inhabit wooded swamps and freshwater ponds. Their stable status in Georgia reflects successful conservation efforts, including providing nesting boxes.
Preserving mature woodlands and wetland habitats is crucial for maintaining the region’s stable populations of Wood Ducks.
Wrapping Up
Georgia’s wetlands host a rich array of ducks, showcasing nature’s beauty and the delicate balance of ecosystems.
From the resilient Mallard to the declining Mottled Duck, understanding their habits and habitats is essential for conservation.
As we appreciate their diverse plumage and behaviours, it becomes evident that safeguarding these wetlands is crucial for the continued well-being of these avian residents.
Conservation efforts must address habitat preservation, water quality, and the mitigation of human-related disturbances to ensure the stable coexistence of these magnificent ducks in Georgia. Thank you so much.