Michigan is home to a wide variety of ducks, from the common mallard to the rare harlequin duck. These ducks in Michigan can be found in various habitats, from lakes and rivers to forests and marshes.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the most common ducks in Michigan.
Whether you’re watching them swim in a lake, dive for food in a river, or fly overhead, ducks are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Ducks in Michigan
Ducks are a popular sight in Michigan and for good reason. The 25 types of ducks in Michigan are
- Mallard
- Wood duck
- Blue-winged teal
- Gadwall
- American black duck
- Northern shoveler
- Green-winged teal
- American wigeon
- Northern pintail
- Bufflehead
- Ring-necked duck
- Redhead
- Lesser scaup
- Ruddy duck
- Greater scaup
- Canvasback
- Common merganser
- Common goldeneye
- Hooded merganser
- Red-breasted merganser
- Long-tailed duck
- White-winged Scoter
- Surf scoter
- Black scoter
- Harlequin duck
These waterfowl are beautiful, graceful creatures that can be found in a variety of settings.
1. Mallard
In Michigan, you’ll frequently encounter Mallard ducks, which are incredibly common and easily recognizable.
These medium-sized ducks have stunning plumage, especially the males.
The male Mallards, called drakes, spot a glossy green head, a sunny yellow bill, a white neck ring, and a grey body. Their wings even feature a beautiful blue patch.
You can find Mallards in various habitats, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes.
Interestingly, they are pretty adaptable and often seen near human settlements like parks and golf courses.
When it comes to food, they have a diverse diet, munching on plant matter, insects, and small aquatic creatures.
If you’re lucky, you might glimpse their courtship displays and hear their classic “quack” sound.
Mallards construct their nests on the ground, hidden amidst vegetation near water bodies.
These delightful ducks are loved by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike, bringing a touch of beauty and joy to Michigan’s natural landscapes.
2. Wood duck
Michigan is also home to the beautiful Wood Duck, a captivating species of duck.
Wood Ducks are known for their stunning and vibrant plumage, making them a favourite among bird enthusiasts.
The males are especially striking, featuring a colourful combination of iridescent greens, purples, and whites. They have a distinct crested head and bright red eyes.
These ducks prefer wooded habitats near water bodies like lakes, ponds, and marshes.
They are skilled tree nesters, often choosing cavities in trees as their nesting sites.
This unique behaviour sets them apart from other duck species. Wood Ducks have strong claws that grip tree bark and perch on branches.
In Michigan, you might spot Wood Ducks gliding gracefully across the water or perched on branches near the shoreline.
They have a gentle and calm demeanor, adding a touch of elegance to their surroundings.
Their presence brings joy and appreciation to those who encounter them in Michigan’s natural landscapes.
3. Blue-winged teal
In Michigan, you might spot the charming Blue-winged Teal ducks. These small ducks have a unique look that sets them apart.
The males have a beautiful cinnamon-coloured head and a blue patch on their wings.
These ducks love hanging out in shallow wetlands and marshes, where they munch on aquatic plants, insects, and tiny creatures.
They’re quite nimble and can be seen swiftly swimming or gracefully flying through the air.
During the mating season, the males show off their vibrant colours and perform fancy dances to impress the females. They also like to gather in big groups when they migrate.
Spotting Blue-winged Teal ducks in Michigan adds a splash of colour and excitement to wetland areas.
They’re a treat for bird lovers and anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature.
4. Gadwall
In Michigan, you might come across the fascinating Gadwall ducks. These ducks have a unique and elegant look.
The males have a mix of grey and brown feathers, while the females are more brownish.
You can find Gadwalls in various wetland habitats like lakes and marshes. They have a diverse diet, enjoying plants, insects, and small water creatures.
Male Gadwalls have a special black rear and a white belly, which makes them stand out.
Even though they aren’t flashy like some other ducks, their subtle beauty is captivating.
Gadwalls are calm and graceful swimmers, gliding peacefully on the water.
They add to the natural charm of Michigan’s wetlands, bringing a sense of tranquillity.
Birdwatchers and nature lovers appreciate their presence, as they contribute to the rich diversity of ducks in the state.
5. American black duck
In Michigan, you may come across the intriguing American Black Duck.
These ducks have dark feathers that give them their name.
They look similar to Mallards but have a darker overall appearance and a less green head.
You can find American Black Ducks in different wetland areas like lakes and marshes in Michigan. They eat various things like plants, insects, and small water creatures.
These ducks are a bit shy and like to hide among the plants. They are good at blending in, so they can be a little challenging to spot compared to other ducks.
American Black Ducks bring a sense of mystery to Michigan’s wetlands.
Their subtle beauty and elusive behaviour make them fascinating for bird watchers and nature lovers.
Spotting one of these ducks is a special experience that adds more joy in life.
6. Northern shoveler
In Michigan, you might spot the unique Northern Shoveler ducks. They have a long, shovel-like bill that makes them stand out.
The males have a green head, white chest, and rusty sides.
These ducks can be found in wetland areas like lakes and marshes in Michigan.
They have a special way of feeding by sifting through water and mud with their bills to find small organisms and plants.
Northern Shovelers are excellent swimmers and often swim together in small groups. They create a beautiful scene on the water.
The Northern Shoveler’s distinct appearance and feeding style make them interesting to observe.
People who love birds and nature appreciate seeing them as they add to the charm and diversity of Michigan’s wetlands.
7. Green-winged teal
In Michigan, you might see beautiful Green-winged Teal ducks. These ducks are known for their colourful appearance and small size.
The males have a green patch on their wings, while the females have a mottled brown look.
Green-winged Teals can be found in wetland areas like lakes and marshes throughout Michigan. They eat a variety of things like plants, seeds, and insects.
These ducks are quick and agile, zipping across the water in a flash. During mating season, they show off their flying skills with impressive displays.
Green-winged Teals bring a splash of colour to Michigan’s wetlands. They are a delight to watch for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Seeing these ducks adds to the natural beauty and diversity of Michigan’s duck population.
8. American wigeon
In Michigan, you may see the lovely American Wigeon ducks. The males have a green stripe on their heads, while the females have brown feathers with spots.
These ducks live in wetland areas like lakes and marshes in Michigan. They eat plants, seeds, and insects.
American Wigeons are calm and swim gracefully in small groups.
They often dip their heads in the water with their tails up.
Seeing American Wigeons adds beauty to Michigan’s wetlands.
People who enjoy birds and nature appreciate watching them.
They are part of the diverse and wonderful duck population in Michigan.
9. Northern Pintail
In Michigan, you might come across the elegant Northern Pintail ducks.
The males have long, slender necks and pointed tails, while the females are more brownish.
They can be found in wetland areas, like lakes and marshes, and feed on plants, seeds, and small aquatic creatures.
10. Bufflehead
The charming Bufflehead ducks are small and compact, with striking black and white plumage.
Both males and females have a distinct white patch on their heads.
They prefer freshwater habitats and feed on insects, small fish, and plant matter.
Buffleheads are known for their agile diving and can often be seen in small groups.
11. Ring-necked Duck
Ring-necked ducks are medium-sized ducks with a distinctive white ring around their bill.
The males have a glossy black body, while the females are more brownish.
They inhabit various wetland habitats and feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates.
12. Redhead
Redhead ducks are named for their vibrant reddish-brown heads.
The males have grey bodies with black chests, while the females are brown with lighter faces.
They prefer open-water habitats like lakes and bays, and their diet consists of aquatic plants, seeds, and insects.
13. Lesser Scaup
Lesser Scaup ducks are medium-sized with a dark body and a light-coloured back.
The males have black heads and white sides, while the females are brown with lighter faces.
They can be found in both freshwater and saltwater environments, diving to feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates.
14. Ruddy duck
Ruddy Ducks are small, chubby ducks with a bright blue bill. The males have chestnut bodies, black caps, and white cheeks, while the females have a more muted greyish-brown colour.
In Michigan, you can find Ruddy Ducks in marshes, ponds, and shallow wetlands.
They are great divers and eat plants, bugs, and small crustaceans that live in the water.
During the breeding season, the males show off by puffing up their blue bills and making bubbling sounds.
Ruddy Ducks have unique stiff tail feathers that stick up. People who love birds enjoy seeing these delightful ducks in Michigan’s wetlands.
15. Greater scaup
Greater Scaups are medium-sized diving ducks that have a cool black-and-white pattern on their feathers.
The males have black heads, necks, and chests, while the females have brown spots on their feathers.
You can find them in lakes, coastal areas, and other freshwater and saltwater places in Michigan. Greater Scaups eat molluscs, small fish, and water bugs.
They are really good at diving underwater for a long time to find food. When it’s time to find a mate, they gather in big groups and do special displays to impress each other.
Greater Scaups are an important part of the duck population in Michigan, and they’re a beautiful sight for people who love birds and nature.
16. Canvasback
Canvasbacks are big diving ducks that have unique shapes and beautiful feathers.
The males have a reddish-brown head and neck, a black chest, and a greyish body, while the females have brown feathers with spots.
These ducks like to live in open water areas like lakes, reservoirs, and the coast of Michigan.
Canvasbacks eat plants that grow in the water, seeds, and small animals without backbones.
They are really good at diving underwater because they have strong bills to help them find food. When it’s time to find a mate, the male ducks do special displays like throwing their heads and flapping their wings.
Canvasbacks are impressive ducks that make Michigan’s duck population even more beautiful and diverse.
17. Common merganser
The Common Merganser is a large diving duck with a long, pointy bill.
The males have a green head, white body, and black back, while the females have a brownish-gray color with a rusty head.
You can find them in lakes, rivers, and wetlands in Michigan.
Common Mergansers mostly eat fish, which they catch by diving underwater. They’re really good swimmers and can chase after their prey.
When it’s time to find a mate, the male ducks bob their heads and make sounds to impress the females.
Common Mergansers are amazing to see and play an important role in Michigan’s water systems.
18. Common goldeneye
Common Goldeneyes are medium-sized diving ducks that have a cool black-and-white pattern on their feathers.
The males have a shiny black heads with a white spot that looks like a circle, while the females have brown feathers with spots.
You can find them in different freshwater places like lakes, rivers, and ponds all over Michigan.
Common Goldeneyes eat things like water bugs, fish, and plants that grow in the water.
They’re really good at diving and have strong bills to help them catch their food underwater.
When it’s time to find a mate, the male ducks do fancy displays like throwing their heads and flapping their wings.
Common Goldeneyes are really interesting ducks to watch and add to the beauty of Michigan’s duck population.
19. Hooded merganser
Hooded Mergansers are small diving ducks that look really cool.
The males have a black head with a big white crest that they can raise or lower.
The females have brownish feathers with a smaller crest. These ducks like to live in wooded swamps, marshes, and small bodies of water in Michigan.
Hooded Mergansers eat things like fish, bugs, and small crustaceans. They’re really good at diving underwater and catching their food with their long, thin bills.
When it’s time to find a mate, the male ducks raise their crests and flap their wings to impress the females.
Hooded Mergansers are really interesting ducks and add to Michigan’s different kinds of ducks.
20. Red-breasted merganser
Red-breasted Mergansers are medium-sized diving ducks that have a sleek bodies and a long, thin bill.
The males have a cool blackish-green head, a reddish-brown breast, and a grey body. The females have brownish-grey feathers with spots.
You can find these ducks in both freshwater and saltwater places like lakes, rivers, and the coast in Michigan.
Red-breasted Mergansers eat things like fish, small crustaceans, and bugs. They’re really good at diving underwater and can swim fast to catch their food.
When it’s time to find a mate, the male ducks do special displays like throwing their heads and making sounds.
Red-breasted Mergansers are really fascinating ducks and add to the variety of ducks in Michigan.
21. Long-tailed duck
The Long-tailed Duck, also called the Oldsquaw, is a medium-sized sea duck that looks really cool.
Both the males and females have black and white feathers, but the males have long, pointy tail feathers.
These ducks breed in the Arctic and come to the coastal areas of Michigan during winter.
Long-tailed Ducks eat small fish, molluscs, and crustaceans. They’re really good at diving deep underwater to find their food.
Long-tailed Ducks are known for their high-pitched sounds and fancy displays when they’re trying to impress each other. Seeing these unique ducks in Michigan’s coastal waters is an amazing experience.
22. White-winged Scoter
White-winged Scoters are big sea ducks that have dark feathers and cool white patches on their wings.
Both males and females have a black body with white around their eyes.
These ducks like to live in saltwater places and can be seen along the coasts of Michigan’s Great Lakes. White-winged Scoters mostly eat things like molluscs, crustaceans, and small fish.
They’re really good at diving deep underwater to find their food. When it’s time to find a mate, the male ducks bob their heads and flap their wings to impress the females.
White-winged Scoters are really impressive ducks and add to the different types of birds along Michigan’s coastlines.
23. Surf scoter
Surf Scoters are big sea ducks with dark feathers and unique colourful bills. Both males and females have a black body with white patches on their head and neck.
The males have a bright orange, white, and black bill, while the females have a more muted bill colour. During the winter, you can find Surf Scoters along the coasts of Michigan’s Great Lakes.
They eat things like molluscs, crustaceans, and small fish. Surf Scoters are really good at diving deep underwater. They are fascinating to see, especially with their colorful bills, and make Michigan’s coastal waters even more beautiful.
24. Black scoter
Black Scoters are medium-sized sea ducks that have dark feathers.
Both males and females have black bodies with a white patch on their forehead.
These ducks like to live in saltwater areas and can be seen along the coasts of Michigan’s Great Lakes during the winter.
Black Scoters eat things like molluscs, crustaceans, and small fish.
They’re really good at diving deep underwater to find their food.
Black Scoters have a sleek look with their dark feathers and white patches, and they make Michigan’s coastal areas even more interesting with their presence.
25. Harlequin duck
Harlequin Ducks are medium-sized sea ducks with colourful and eye-catching feathers.
The males have a mix of vibrant blue, white, and chestnut colours, while the females have a more understated brown and grey look.
These ducks like to hang out in fast-flowing freshwater rivers and streams in Michigan, especially in the winter.
Harlequin Ducks mostly eat small water bugs and creatures like insects and crustaceans.
They’re really good at diving and can swim through rough waters without any problem.
Harlequin Ducks are rare and beautiful to see, and they make Michigan’s rivers and streams even more special with their presence.
Conclusion
From the tranquil marshes and wetlands to the vast Great Lakes, Michigan provides a vibrant canvas for the diverse and captivating ducks that call this state home. Their vibrant plumage, remarkable behaviours, and picturesque habitats create a symphony of natural beauty that leaves an indelible impression on all who have the privilege of witnessing it. So, venture forth and embrace the enchantment of ducks in Michigan, for it is a journey that will forever captivate your heart and ignite your passion for the remarkable avian world.
