Discover 5 Small Diving Ducks in Michigan

Michigan is home to a variety of duck species, including several small diving ducks. These ducks are experts at swimming and diving, and they use their skills to find food in the water.

Small diving ducks in Michigan are a delight to watch. They are small and compact, with sleek bodies and powerful wings. They are also very social, and they often gather in large flocks.

Small Diving Ducks in Michigan

Small diving ducks in Michigan include the bufflehead, the ring-necked duck, and the lesser scaup.

• Bufflehead
• Ring-necked Duck
• Redhead
• Lesser Scaup
• Ruddy Duck 

Let’s explore their habitat, diet, size, identification, etc.

1. Bufflehead

Buffleheads are small diving ducks that can be found in Michigan. They come to the state during the winter.

Male Buffleheads have black and white feathers with a big white patch on the back of their heads. Females have grey-brown feathers with a smaller white patch behind their eyes.

You can spot Buffleheads in lakes, ponds, and rivers across Michigan. They dive underwater to find food like insects and small creatures. They stay submerged for short periods.

Here are some places where you can see buffleheads in Michigan:

• Saginaw Bay
• Lake St. Clair
• Lake Erie
• The Detroit River
• The Great Lakes

Here are some simple tips for identifying Buffleheads in Michigan:

1. Small size: Buffleheads are the smallest diving ducks in North America, about the size of a pigeon.
2. Large heads: Buffleheads have large heads, giving them a “bobblehead” appearance.
3. White cheeks: Both male and female Buffleheads have white cheeks.
4. Black backs: Male Buffleheads have black backs, while females have brown backs.

If you want to see Buffleheads, visit during winter and look for them in places with open water. Local birding resources can help you find the best spots to see them.

2. Ring-necked Duck

Ring-necked Ducks are small diving ducks that can be found in Michigan, especially during winter.

Male Ring-necked Ducks have a blackish head, black back, grey body, and a faint chestnut-coloured ring around their necks. Females have a brownish head and body with a lighter face and a white ring around their eyes.

These ducks prefer freshwater habitats like lakes, ponds, and rivers. They spend a lot of time diving underwater to find food, such as insects, plants, and small aquatic creatures.

If you want to see Ring-necked Ducks in Michigan, visit freshwater areas during winter. Look for their diving behaviour and listen for their soft whistles and quacks. Local birding resources or nature centres can help you find the best places to spot them.

3. Redhead

Redheads are medium-sized diving ducks that are common in Michigan during the winter. They are about 20 inches long and have a wingspan of about 30 inches.

Males have a reddish-brown head and breast, a grey body, and a black bill. Females are brown all over with a dark grey bill.

Redheads are social birds and often gather in large flocks. They are also popular game birds.

Here are some of the places where you can find redheads in Michigan:

• Lake Michigan
• Lake Huron
• Lake Superior
• Saginaw Bay
• Green Bay
• Lake St. Clair
• The Detroit River
• The Straits of Mackinac

Redheads are attracted to areas with open water, abundant food, and safe resting spots. They feed on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. They often dive to depths of 10 feet or more to find food.

Redheads are an important part of the Michigan ecosystem. They help to control populations of aquatic plants and insects. They are also popular game birds and provide a source of food for humans.

Here are some tips for identifying redheads:

• Look for the reddish-brown head and breast of the male.
• Look for the grey body and dark grey bill of both sexes.
• Look for the social behaviour of redheads. They often gather in large flocks.
• Listen for the soft quacking calls of redheads.

If you see a redhead, enjoy watching this beautiful bird. And remember, it is illegal to disturb or harm any wildlife in Michigan.

4. Lesser Scaup

Lesser Scaup are small diving ducks that are common in Michigan during the winter. They can be found on lakes, rivers, and ponds, and they often gather in large flocks.

Lesser Scaup are black and white with a blue bill. They feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

Male Lesser Scaups have a black head, black breasts, and a white body with grey sides. Females are brownish with a lighter face and a white patch near their bill.

These ducks prefer freshwater habitats like lakes and ponds. They dive underwater to find food, eating small creatures and plants.

To see Lesser Scaups in Michigan, look for them in lakes and ponds, especially during winter. They often gather in groups. Local birdwatching resources can help you find specific locations.

Lesser Scaup is a common and enjoyable sight in Michigan. They are graceful swimmers and divers, and they make a variety of interesting calls.

5. Ruddy Duck 

The Ruddy Duck is a small diving duck and a rare duck found in Michigan, especially in winter.

Male Ruddy Ducks have a blue bill, black cap, and reddish-brown body. Females are brownish with lighter faces.

Ruddy ducks are found in a variety of wetland habitats, including lakes, ponds, marshes, and rivers. They are excellent swimmers and divers, and they use their sharp beaks to feed on insects, fish, and other small aquatic animals.

You can find Ruddy Ducks in freshwater areas like lakes and ponds. They dive underwater to find plants, insects, and small creatures.

To see Ruddy Ducks in Michigan, look in places with lots of water and vegetation. They often swim in groups. Local birding resources can help you find the best spots.

Enjoy watching these interesting diving ducks in Michigan’s beautiful nature!

People Also Ask: (FAQ)

Conclusion

Small diving ducks in Michigan are an important part of the state’s wildlife. They provide food for other animals, and they help to control populations of insects and other aquatic organisms. These ducks are also a popular sight for birdwatchers, and they add to the beauty of Michigan’s natural landscape.