Waterfowl Identification in the Central Flyway

Published by the

Central Flyway Waterfowl Council

GIF -- Picture of Mallards

1974 Waterfowl Identification Aid Subcommittee

Tom Kuck, South Dakota, Chairman
Howard Funk, Colorado
Charles Stutzenbaker, Texas

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?

This resource is based on the following source:

Central Flyway Waterfowl Council.  1994.  Waterfowl identification in the 
     central flyway.  Central Flyway Waterfowl Council.  59pp.

This resource should be cited as:

Central Flyway Waterfowl Council.  1994.  Waterfowl identification in the 
     central flyway.  Central Flyway Waterfowl Council.  Jamestown, ND: 
     Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Home Page. 
     http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/tools/waterfwl/waterfwl.htm
     (Version 04NOV97).

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

Downloading Instructions -- Instructions on downloading and extracting files from this site.

waterfwl.zip ( bytes) -- Waterfowl Identification in the Central Flyway

Installation: Extract all files and open waterfwl.htm in a web browser.

Waterfowl Identification in the Central Flyway

Preface

Contents