Waterfowl Identification in the Central Flyway

-Published by the Central Flyway Waterfowl Council-

1974 Waterfowl Identification Aid Subcommittee
Tom Kuck, South Dakota, Chairman
Howard Funk, Colorado
Charles Stutzenbaker, Texas

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Preface

This guide demonstrates a sincere effort on the part of the Central Flyway Waterfowl Council to aid the sportsman in waterfowl identification. Paintings of ducks in various stages of plumage, photos of wings, and descriptions of distinguishing characteristics have been included as an aid to identification of birds in hand and in flight. As with most endeavors, there is no substitute for experience. Efforts toward mastery of identification should take place in the field. The design of this guide was specifically selected to encourage its use while hunting. Careful study and use of this guide coupled with experience gained while observing waterfowl in the field will allow identification to become automatic.

Where can I get a printed version of Waterfowl Identification in the Central Flyway?

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Contents

Introduction Waterfowl Management Acknowledgments Topography of a Duck Puddle Duck Characteristics Diving Duck Characteristics

Puddle Ducks

Mallard Black Duck Mottled Duck Mexican Duck Pintail Gadwall American Wigeon Shoveler Wood Duck Green-winged Teal Blue-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Fulvous Tree Duck Black-bellied Tree Duck American Coot

Diving Ducks

Canvasback Redhead Lesser Scaup Ring-necked Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Barrow's Goldeneye Ruddy Duck

Other Waterfowl and Water Birds

Hooded Merganser Common Merganser White-fronted Goose Canada Goose Snow Goose Ross' Goose Blue Goose Tundra Swan Trumpeter Swan Whooping Crane Sandhill Crane Great Blue Heron Great Egret White Pelican Double-Crested Cormorant Comparative Sizes of some Water Birds