27 Different Types of Ducks from Around the World

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Ornithologist Roger J. Lederer, PhD goes over the most common ducks from around the world
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Ducks are a common type of water bird that belongs to the family Anatidae (which also includes geese and swans). These aquatic birds come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes, and live all across the world. Whether you’re getting into birding and want to know how to identify different types of ducks, or you're simply curious about how many types are out there, we’re here to help! In this article, we partnered with an ornithologist to help us go over some of the most common ducks around the world, with tips on how to identify them.

The Most Common Types of Ducks

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An illustration showing some common and popular types of ducks from around the world.

Ornithologist Roger J. Lederer, PhD says some of the most common types of ducks are the Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, American Wigeon, European Wigeon, and Northern Shoveler. There are around 130 different species of ducks around the world. Most ducks are categorized as either dabblers or divers.

Section 1 of 4:

Common Duck Species

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  1. Step 1 American Black Duck
    The American Black Duck is a shy bird that you’ll often see feeding and resting with mallards. It’s a dark brown color with a yellow beak and a distinct stripe across its eye. Plus, they have beautiful blue feathers on their wings. Males tend to be lighter colored than females.[1]

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Roger J. Lederer, PhD, is an ornithologist with over 40 years of experience teaching, studying, and writing about birds. He’s a professor at California State University, Chico, and the founder of Ornithology.com.

  2. Step 2 American Wigeon
    The American Wigeon is a common duck breed, notes Dr. Lederer.[2] It’s a wary bird, but you’ll see it all throughout North America. Males have a prominent patch of green feathers behind their eyes, plus a white strip of feathers on top of their heads. Female ducks have a spotted-like pattern on their head with a concentration of darker feathers around their eyes.[3]
    • Area: US and Canada
    • Habitat: Lakes and ponds
    • Size: 16-23 in (42-59 cm)
    • Type: Dabbler
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
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  3. Step 3 Black-bellied Whistling Duck
    The Black-bellied Whistling Duck is quite the noisy duck, as these birds flock together and sing their distinct, whistle-like calls. They have a gray head, brown upper body, black belly, and black and white wings with bright red beaks. You’ll often see these unique ducks perching in trees.[4]
    • Area: Brazil, Mexico, and parts of southern Texas and Louisiana
    • Habitat: Marshes
    • Size: 18-20 in (47-51 cm)
    • Type: Dabbler
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  4. Step 4 Black Scoter
    Male Black Scoters are velvety black birds with a distinct splash of orange on their bill, while female ducks are brown with a dark brown head and gray cheeks. These ducks live by the ocean and are known for being very vocal.[5]
    • Area: Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the US and Canada
    • Habitat: Oceans
    • Size: 17-19 in (43-49 cm)
    • Type: Diving
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  5. Step 5 Blue-winged Teal
    The Blue-winged Teal is a very common type of duck, says Dr. Lederer.[6] It’s a small duck that migrates from South America to North America. Male ducks have a distinct white band on the front of their head, blue shoulder feathers, and a patch of green feathers on their wings. Females are a patterned brown color, but also have blue shoulder feathers.[7]
    • Area: Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, the US, and parts of Canada
    • Habitat: Marshes
    • Size: 14-16 in (36-41 cm)
    • Type: Dabbler
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  6. Step 6 Bufflehead
    The Bufflehead is a small, fluffy duck with a rather large and round head. Male birds are very impressive looking, with an iridescent face of green, blue, and purple, a black back, and a bright white belly. Females might not be as colorful, but they have a black head with a bright white cheek patch. These ducks also tend to be monogamous![8]
  7. Step 7 Canvasback
    The Canvasback is striking for its head shape: it has a sloping forehead that turns into a long, slightly curved black beak. Male ducks also have bright red eyes, white wings and bellies, and black necks and tails. Female birds have a warm brown head and gray wings and bodies.[10]
    • Area: US and Canada
    • Habitat: Lakes and ponds
    • Size: 18-22 in (48-56 cm)
    • Type: Diver
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  8. Step 8 Cinnamon Teal
    The Cinnamon Teal is aptly named, as the male ducks have a beautiful and rich reddish-brown body with striking red eyes. However, they do molt after breeding and tend to look very similar to the Blue-winged Teal afterward. Female ducks have mottled brown feathers and a long, black bill (just like males).[11]
    • Area: Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and the western US
    • Habitat: Marshes
    • Size: 15-17 in (38-43 cm)
    • Type: Dabbler
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  9. Step 9 Common Eider
    The Common Eider has a unique, sloping head shape with a triangular beak. Males are a striking mix of black and white, with distinct pale green patches on the neck, while females are a reddish brown color.[12]
    • Area: Coasts of Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the UK, Norway, and Russia
    • Habitat: Oceans
    • Size: 19-28 in (50-71 cm)
    • Type: Diver
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  10. Step 10 Common Goldeneye
    The Common Goldeneye has a striking, bright yellow eye (hence the name!). Male ducks have a sharply shaped head of dark green feathers with a white cheek and a short black beak. Their bodies are white with black wings. Females have a rich brown head, a grayish black body, and black wings.[13]
    • Area: US and Canada
    • Habitat: Lakes and ponds
    • Size: 16-20 in (40-51 cm)
    • Type: Diver
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  11. 11
    Eurasian Wigeon According to Dr. Lederer, the Eurasian/European Wigeon is quite the common duck breed.[14] Both male and female ducks have a cinnamon colored head and white bellies, while males have a mostly gray body and females have a mostly brown body. In North America, you’ll often see them around American Wigeon ducks.[15]
    • Area: Northern Europe, Russia, India, China, and small parts of the US
    • Habitat: Lakes and ponds
    • Size: 16-20 in (42-52 cm)
    • Type: Dabbler
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  12. 12
    Gadwall Dr. Lederer notes that the Gadwall is a very common duck from around the world.[16] Male ducks have an intricate feather pattern of brown and white with black tail feathers. Female ducks have a larger feather pattern that’s also brown and white. Gadwall ducks are also known to be “pirates” and regularly steal food from other birds![17]
    • Area: US, Canada, parts of Europe, and Asia
    • Habitat: Marshes
    • Size: 18-22 in (46-57 cm)
    • Type: Dabbler
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  13. Step 13 Green-winged Teal
    There are two variations of the Green-winged Teal, the American and Eurasian, but both look very similar. Male ducks have a reddish-brown head with a streak of green feathers behind their eyes. Female ducks have white and brown spotted plumage. However, both males and females have a distinct patch of green feathers on their wings.[18]
    • Area: Mexico, US, Canada, Eastern Europe, Russia, India
    • Habitat: Marshes
    • Size: 12-15 in (31-39 cm)
    • Type: Dabbler
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  14. Step 14 Greater Scaup
    The Greater Scaup is another bright-eyed duck that lives in tundra environments. Both males and females have bright, yellow eyes, round heads, and flat black bills. Male ducks have a dark green head, while females have a white face and warm brown head.[19]
    • Area: US, Canada, Northern Europe, and Russia
    • Habitat: Lakes and ponds
    • Size: 15-22 in (39-56 cm)
    • Type: Diver
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  15. Step 15 Harlequin Duck
    The Harlequin Duck is quite the fabulous-looking duck. Male birds have a color-block pattern of white, black, chestnut, and blue with an elegantly curved neck. Female ducks have the same elegant neck, but are a grayish-brown color. Despite their luxurious appearance, these ducks live on rocky coasts and swim in very rough waters.[20]
    • Area: Northwestern US and Canada, Eastern Russia
    • Habitat: Rivers and streams
    • Size: 13-18 in (34-46 cm)
    • Type: Diver
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  16. Step 16 Hooded Merganser
    The Hooded Merganser is pretty easy to spot. Both male and female ducks have crests along the back of their head, giving them a fanned-out appearance. Plus, they have bright yellow eyes. Males are especially striking, as their faces and necks are black while the crest is bright white. Female birds are a simple brownish-gray color.[21]
    • Area: US and Southern Canada
    • Habitat: Lakes and ponds
    • Size: 16-19 in (40-49 cm)
    • Type: Diver
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  17. Step 17 Long-tailed Duck
    As the name implies, the male ducks in this species have very long tails. The slender black feather curves upward in a “C” shape. Plus, the males have unique facial markings with a gray face and dark brown cheeks. While female ducks don’t have long tails, they do have distinct white faces, brown cheeks, and warm brown bodies.[22]
    • Area: Canada and Northern Russia
    • Habitat: Lakes and ponds
    • Size: 16-18 in (40-47 cm)
    • Type: Diver
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  18. Step 18 Mallard Duck
    According to Dr. Lederer, the Mallard is one of the most common types of ducks.[23] It’s the quintessential duck that you’ll hear quacking in ponds and lakes, plus, most domestic duck breeds descend from them! Male Mallards have a bright green head, a yellow bill, a gray body, and a black tail. Female ducks are less flashy and have brown, patterned bodies.[24]
    • Area: Mexico, US, Canada, Europe, Russia, parts of Asia
    • Habitat: Lakes and ponds
    • Size: 19-25 in (50-65 cm)
    • Type: Dabbler
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  19. Step 19 Mandarin Duck
    The Mandarin Duck has to be one of the most beautiful duck breeds. Male ducks have rainbow colored feathers, including green, blue, and purple bodies, orangish-yellow faces, and reddish-brown heads. They also have whisker-like feathers and red bills. Female ducks are more subdued, with grayish feathers and a white outline around the eyes.[25]
    • Area: South Eastern Russia, North Eastern China, Korea, and Japan
    • Habitat: Lakes and ponds
    • Size: 16-20 in (41-51 cm)
    • Type: Dabbler
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  20. Step 20 Muscovy Duck
    The Muscovy Duck is an interesting-looking bird. Male birds’ faces are covered in red, wart-like spots. Plus, they have long, slender necks and are some of the largest ducks. Female ducks don’t have red bumps on their faces, but have glossy black feathers and the same long, slender neck.[26]
    • Area: South America, Central America, and small parts of Texas
    • Habitat: Forests
    • Size: 26-33 in (66-84 cm)
    • Type: Dabbler
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  21. Step 21 Northern Pintail
    The Northern Pintail is a sleek-looking bird with a long, slender neck. Male ducks have dark brown heads, white bellies, and gray wings with a splash of green. Female ducks have light brown faces with intricately patterned bodies and wings.[27]
    • Area: Chile, Mexico, the US, Canada, and Russia
    • Habitat: Marshes
    • Size: 20-30 in (51-76 cm)
    • Type: Dabbler
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  22. Step 22 Northern Shoveler
    The Northern Shoveler is a very common duck, says Dr. Lederer.[28] It also has one of the most distinctive beaks. Their bills are flat and wide, and closely resemble a shovel! Male ducks have bright green heads and yellow eyes, with white bellies and reddish sides. Female ducks have orangey eyes and bills with mottled brown feathers. They tend to be less shy than some other breeds, too.[29]
    • Area: Mexico, US, Canada, Russia, India, Southeast Asia
    • Habitat: Marshes
    • Size: 17-20 in (44-51 cm)
    • Type: Dabbler
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  23. Step 23 Pekin Duck
    The Pekin Duck is a domesticated breed that comes from the Mallard. Males and females actually look very similar: both have all white feathers with an orange bill and feet. They’re also pretty big birds, and as a result, most can’t fly.[30]
    • Area: Across the world
    • Habitat: Marshes
    • Size: 20 in (51 cm)
    • Type: Dabbler
    • Example Call (via YouTube)
  24. Step 24 Redhead Duck
    Naturally, male Redhead ducks have a reddish, rust-colored head. They also have black necks and gray wings and bodies. Female ducks are mostly light brown all over, with bits of darker brown on top of their heads. Both males and females have distinct high foreheads, too.[31]
    • Area: Mexico, the US, and parts of Canada
    • Habitat: Lakes and ponds
    • Size: 16-21 in (42-54 cm)
    • Type: Diver
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  25. Step 25 Ruddy Duck
    The Ruddy Duck may be named after the males’ reddish-brown bodies, but their most standout feature is their blue bills. The males also have black heads with white cheeks and stiff tail feathers. Female ducks may not have blue bills, but their bills are distinctive for their flat, scooped shape. They also have light brown bodies with a dark brown cap.[32]
    • Area: Mexico, US, Canada
    • Habitat: Marshes
    • Size: 14-20 in (35-43 cm)
    • Type: Diver
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  26. Step 26 Tufted Duck
    The Tufted Duck is a unique-looking bird, with a signature tassel of feathers on the back of its head and bright yellow eyes. Male ducks have black heads, necks, and backs with white sides. On the other hand, female ducks have dark brown heads and backs with light brown sides.[33]
    • Area: Northern Europe, Russia, India, Southeast Asia
    • Habitat: Lakes and ponds
    • Size: 15-18 in (40-47 cm)
    • Type: Diver
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
  27. Step 27 Wood Duck
    The Wood Duck is another beautifully colored bird. Male ducks have green heads, black and white faces, and vibrant red bills. Their bodies are color-blocked in brown, black, white, and cream. Female ducks are mostly brown, but also have vibrant blue wing feathers. These birds are also unique in that they nest in trees.[34]
    • Area: Mexico, the US, and parts of Canada
    • Habitat: Lakes and ponds
    • Size: 18-21 in (47-54 cm)
    • Type: Dabbler
    • Example Call (via AllAboutBirds.org)
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Section 2 of 4:

What are the two main types of ducks?

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  1. Ducks are broadly categorized as dabblers or divers.
    The main difference is that dabbling ducks mostly hunt for food by dipping their head in the water, while diving ducks dive deeper into the water to find food. Dabblers also typically have feet that are centered along their bodies and have larger wings, while a diving duck’s feet are positioned closer to their back. Plus, they usually have larger feet and smaller wings, which help with diving.[35]
    • That said, dabbling ducks can dive if needed, and diving ducks might sometimes dabble instead. However, dabbling and diving are their primary behaviors.
    • Common dabbling ducks include: Mallards, Wigeons, and Teals
    • Common diving ducks include: Canvasbacks, Redheads, and Eiders
    • There are also several sub-categories of ducks, including the Mergansers (diving ducks with thin, hooked bills), Eiders (oceanic diving ducks with large bodies), Scoters (oceanic diving ducks with colorful bills), Stiff-tails (diving ducks with long, stiff tails), Perching (ducks that perch or nest in trees), and Whistling (tropical ducks with a shrill, whistle call).
Section 3 of 4:

How many types of ducks are there?

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  1. There are over 130 types of ducks in the world.
    Ducks are found all over the world, from hot, tropical areas to cold tundras. There are around 130 species of ducks, and they all belong to the family Anatidae, which refers to birds adapted for swimming. Anatidae also includes swans and geese, so they’re closely related to ducks.[36]
    • Here’s the breakdown of the number of ducks native to each continent:
      • North America: Around 30 native duck species.[37]
      • South America: Around 17 native duck species (with some overlap with North America).
      • Europe: Around 30 native duck species (with some overlap with North America, Asia, and Africa).[38]
      • Asia: Around 30 to 40 native duck species (with some overlap with North America, Europe, and Africa).
      • Africa: Around 17 native duck species (with some overlap with North America, Europe, and Asia).[39]
      • Oceania: Around 20 native duck species.
      • Antarctica: None. However, the yellow-billed pintail occasionally makes its way to some of the sub-Antarctic islands.[40]
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Section 4 of 4:

How to Identify Ducks

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  1. Pay attention to the duck’s behavior, color, size, shape, and call.
    Learning to identify different species of ducks (and other types of birds) starts with observing their behavior. Make note of how they forage for food to categorize the duck as a dabbler or diver. Then, look at the duck’s feather colors, profile, bill size, general body shape, and size to narrow down what it could be. Finally, listen to its call to pinpoint its species.[41]
    • Of course, pay attention to the habitat you’re observing ducks in to narrow down which types you’re likely to see. For instance, you’re probably not going to see an oceanic duck around a pond or lake.
    • The season you’re in can also help you identify ducks. Many species migrate south in the winter to find food, and travel back up north in the spring to breed.
    • Identifying ducks definitely takes practice, as it’s something you naturally get better at, just like any other skill. The more you get out in nature to observe ducks, the better you’ll be at identifying them!
    • There are also lots of apps you can use to identify ducks (and other birds), such as the Merlin Bird ID App made by Cornell University.
    • Dr. Lederer also recommends looking up the characteristics of the duck you want to identify in a field guide.[42]

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Black_Duck
  2. ↑ Roger J. Lederer, PhD. Ornithologist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Wigeon
  4. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-bellied_Whistling-Duck
  5. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/black_scoter
  6. ↑ Roger J. Lederer, PhD. Ornithologist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Blue-winged_Teal
  8. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bufflehead
  9. ↑ Roger J. Lederer, PhD. Ornithologist. Expert Interview
  1. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canvasback
  2. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/cinnamon_teal
  3. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Eider
  4. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Goldeneye
  5. ↑ Roger J. Lederer, PhD. Ornithologist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eurasian_Wigeon
  7. ↑ Roger J. Lederer, PhD. Ornithologist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gadwall
  9. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green-winged_Teal
  10. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Greater_Scaup
  11. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Harlequin_Duck
  12. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hooded_Merganser
  13. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Long-tailed_Duck
  14. ↑ Roger J. Lederer, PhD. Ornithologist. Expert Interview
  15. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mallard
  16. ↑ https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Ecological-Risk-Screening-Summary-Mandarin-Duck.pdf
  17. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Muscovy_Duck
  18. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Pintail
  19. ↑ Roger J. Lederer, PhD. Ornithologist. Expert Interview
  20. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Shoveler
  21. ↑ https://www.lafayette.in.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1806/Pekin-Duck-PDF
  22. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Redhead
  23. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruddy_Duck
  24. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tufted_Duck
  25. ↑ https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Duck
  26. ↑ https://mdc.mo.gov/blogs/discover-nature-notes/dabblers-vs-divers-1
  27. ↑ https://owendeutsch.com/identifying-types-of-ducks/
  28. ↑ https://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-id
  29. ↑ https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/ducks-of-the-uk
  30. ↑ https://birdwatchinghq.com/ducks-of-africa/
  31. ↑ https://www.waterfowl.org.uk/wildfowl/true-ducks/yellow-billed-pintail/
  32. ↑ https://www.audubon.org/magazine/how-identify-birds
  33. ↑ Roger J. Lederer, PhD. Ornithologist. Expert Interview

About This Article

Devin McSween
Co-authored by:
Devin McSween
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Devin McSween is a wikiHow Staff Writer. With a background in psychology, she has presented her research in social psychology at a variety of conferences and has contributed to several manuscripts for publication. At wikiHow, Devin combines her love of writing and research with the goal of bringing accessible information to wikiHow readers that will help them learn and grow. She earned her BS in Psychology from the College of Charleston.
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Updated: April 6, 2026
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