22 Illinois Ducks: Discover Unique Duck Varieties

Have you heard about Illinois ducks? These important birds are beautiful and help our environment. This guide helps you learn about their habits and enjoy watching them. Discover the world of 22 Illinois ducks.

22 Illinois Ducks Discover Unique Duck Varieties:

Dabbling Ducks :

1. Mallard – (Anas platyrhynchos):

The Mallard is a common duck known for its vibrant colors. Male Mallards have a bright green head, while females are speckled brown. They are found in various places in Illinois, like lakes, rivers, and ponds.

Mallards enjoy areas with plenty of water, as these places are full of the food they love to eat, such as plants and small fish. When exploring, it’s always nice to spot a Mallard in its natural habitat.

Length: 19.7- 28 inches (50 – 71 cm)
Weight: 24 – 56 oz (0.7 -1.6 kg)
Wingspan: 32 – 39 inches (81 – 99 cm)

2. American Black Duck – (Anas rubripes):

The American Black Duck is a large, strong bird, mostly dark brown. They often hide in marshes and quiet waters in Illinois. These ducks find their food, like insects and plants, in peaceful rivers and lakes.

Their color helps them blend in with the natural surroundings, making them a unique sight in Illinois’s beautiful habitats. Exploring these areas, you might spot this amazing duck living happily in the wild.

Length: 21.3 – 23.2 in (54 – 59 cm)
Weight: 25.4 – 57.9 oz (720 – 1640 gm)
Wingspan: 34.6 – 37.4 in (88 – 95 cm)

3. Northern Pintail –(Anas acuta):

Meet the Northern Pintail, a sleek and elegant duck found in Illinois. With a unique long tail and sharp-looking wings, they really stand out. They like open, wet areas like marshes and lakes.

In these places, they find plenty of food and space to live. Their slender bodies and long necks make them easy to spot. So, keep an eye out for this beautiful duck when you’re near Illinois waters!

Length: 20.1 – 30 in (51 – 76 cm)
Weight: 17.6 – 51.1 oz (500 – 1450 gm)
Wingspan: 31 – 37 in (80 – 95 cm)

4. Gadwall – (Anas strepera):

The Gadwall is a cool duck that you might see in Illinois. They have soft brown and grey feathers that help them blend in. Gadwalls like to hang out in lakes, ponds, and marshes.

These places are full of yummy food like plants and insects. When you explore waters in Illinois, look closely, and you might find a Gadwall enjoying its peaceful home.

Length: 18 – 23 in (46 – 58 cm)
Weight: 18 – 45 oz (500 – 1250 gm)
Wingspan: 31 – 35 in (78 – 90 cm)

5. American Wigeon – (Anas americana):

The American Wigeon is a colorful duck found in Illinois. With a green eye patch and a white belly, they are a delightful sight. They enjoy spending time in lakes, ponds, and rivers, finding tasty plants to eat.

These habitats offer them a safe and happy home, full of life’s essentials. When exploring Illinois waters, be on the lookout for this vibrant and lively duck!

Length: 16.5 – 23.2 in (42 – 59 cm)
Weight: 19.1 – 46.9 oz (540 – 1330 gm)
Wingspan: 33.1 in (84 cm)

6. Northern Shoveler – (Anas clypeata):

The Northern Shoveler is a unique duck with a big, spoon-shaped bill. They use this special bill to find food in the waters of Illinois. Living in lakes, ponds, and marshes, they enjoy spaces where water and food are plenty.

Their colorful feathers and unusual bill make them interesting to watch. Look for these special ducks when you visit waters in Illinois!

Length: 17.3 – 20.1 in (44 – 51 cm)
Weight: 14.1 – 28.9 oz (400 – 820 gm)
Wingspan: 27.2 – 33.1 in (69 – 84 cm)

7. Blue-winged Teal – (Anas discors):

The Blue-winged Teal is a small duck with a big surprise: bright blue wings! They are often seen in Illinois’s lakes, ponds, and marshes. These ducks love places where there are lots of plants and small insects to eat.

Their beautiful blue wings make them easy to spot when they fly. So, keep your eyes open for a flash of blue when you are exploring nature in Illinois!

Length: 14.17 – 16.14 in (36 – 41 cm)
Weight: 9.87 – 17.59 oz (280 – 499 gm)
Wingspan: 22.05 – 24.41 in (56 – 62 cm)

8. Green-winged Teal – (Anas crecca):

The Green-winged Teal is a tiny duck with stunning green feathers on its wings. They find their homes in Illinois’s cosy lakes, ponds, and marshes, where they can find lots of tasty food like insects and plants.

These beautiful ducks bring a splash of colour to Illinois’s waters. Look for the dazzling green wings when you’re out exploring, and you might just spot one!

Length: 12.2 – 15.3 in (31 – 39 cm)
Weight: 4.9 – 17.6 oz (140 – 500 gm)
Wingspan: 20.5 – 23.2 in (52 – 59 cm)

Diving Ducks:

9. Canvasback – (Aythya valisineria):

The Canvasback is a powerful duck with a unique red eye and a big, strong body. They are commonly seen in the waters of Illinois, such as lakes, rivers, and marshes.

These places offer them a lot of delicious food like plants and small creatures. Their strong presence and unique look make them an exciting find during your outdoor adventures in Illinois!

Length: 19 – 22 in (48 – 56 cm)
Weight: 1.9 – 3.5 lb (862 – 1588 gm)
Wingspan: 31 – 35 in (79 – 89 cm)

10. Redhead – (Aythya americana):

The Redhead is a striking duck with a bright redhead and blue bill. In Illinois, they love to be in lively lakes, ponds, and marshes. These habitats give them lots of chances to find good food like plants and insects.

Their colorful appearance makes them a joy to discover while exploring the beautiful natural places of Illinois. Keep an eye out for these wonderful ducks!

Length: 16.9 – 20.9 inches (43 – 53 cm)
Weight: 24 – 51.2 oz (680 – 1451.5 gm)
Wingspan: 45 – 59 inches (115 – 150 cm)

11. Ring-necked Duck – (Aythya collaris):

The Ring-necked Duck is a special duck with a circle around its neck. They enjoy Illinois’s refreshing lakes, ponds, and marshes. In these water places, they find lots of yummy things to eat, like plants and bugs.

With their unique neckring and bright eyes, they add something extra special to Illinois’s outdoor beauty. Look for them when you’re near water in Illinois!

Length: 15.7 – 17.7 inches (40 – 45 cm)
Weight: 17.3 – 32.1 oz (490 – 910 gm)
Wingspan: 24.4 – 24.8 in (62 – 63 cm)

12. Lesser Scaup – (Aythya affinis):

The Lesser Scaup is a cute, small duck that likes spending time in Illinois’s lakes, ponds, and rivers. They have smooth, black heads and bright blue bills. These ducks find yummy food like insects and plants in the water.

Their shiny feathers and happy quacks make them a fun sight during your outdoor explorations. Keep looking around the waters to find this delightful duck!

Length: 15 – 19 in (38 – 48 cm)
Weight: 21.15 – 42.29 oz (600 -1200 gm )
Wingspan: 27 – 31 in (68 – 78 cm)

13. Greater Scaup – (Aythya marila):

The Greater Scaup is a beautiful duck with a glossy head and bright eyes. They find homes in the welcoming lakes, rivers, and bays of Illinois, where they dive for tasty food.

With their strong bodies and shiny feathers, they are a wonderful part of Illinois’s nature. When exploring the outdoors, you might be lucky enough to see a Greater Scaup enjoying the waters!

Length: 15.3 – 22.1 in (39 – 56 cm)
Weight: 25.6 – 48.0 oz (726 – 1360 gm)
Wingspan: 28.4 – 31.1 in (72 – 79 cm)

14. Common Goldeneye – (Bucephala clangula):

The Common Goldeneye is an amazing duck with eyes that shine like gold. These ducks love the cold and enjoy the chilly lakes and rivers of Illinois. They dive deep into the water to find delicious food like insects and fish.

Their golden eyes and fast flying make them a special sight in the sky and waters of Illinois. Keep an eye out for these extraordinary ducks!

Length: 15.8 – 20.1 in (40 – 51 cm)
Weight: 21.2 – 45.9 oz (600 -1300 gm)
Wingspan: 30.3 – 32.7 in (77 – 83 cm)

15. Bufflehead – (Bucephala albeola):

The Bufflehead is a small, playful duck with a big, white patch on its head. They love diving in Illinois’s chilly lakes and rivers, looking for tasty meals like insects and small fish.

These quick and lively ducks are a joy to watch as they play and explore the waters. When you’re near the waters of Illinois, look for these adorable and energetic ducks!

Length: 12.6 – 6 in (32 – 41 cm)
Weight: 9.6 – 22.4 oz (272 – 635 gm)
Wingspan: 21.6 in (55 cm)

Sea Ducks in Illinois

Illinois waters are home to some special sea ducks, adding magic to our outdoor adventures!

16. Long-tailed Duck – (Clangula hyemalis):

The Long-tailed Duck is extraordinary with its long, elegant tail and diverse colours. In Illinois, they explore the vast lakes and cold rivers, diving deep for their food.

Their distinctive tails and soft quacks make them a memorable sight during your Illinois water adventures. Keep an eye out for these remarkable ducks!

Length: 15-23 in (38-58 cm)
Weight: 22.9-38.8 oz (680-1130 gm)
Wingspan: 27.6-28.4 in (70-72 cm)

Stiff-tailed Ducks in Illinois:

Discover the unique stiff-tailed ducks that bring life and color to Illinois’s waters!

17. Ruddy Duck – (Oxyura jamaicensis):

The Ruddy Duck is a small, sturdy duck with a stiff tail that often sticks up. They have bright blue bills and warm, chestnut bodies.

In Illinois, they favor peaceful lakes and ponds, where they find plenty of food. Their cheerful appearance and playful tails make them a delightful part of Illinois’s water habitats.

Length: 13.8 – 16.9 in (35 – 43 cm)
Weight: 10.6 – 30.0 oz (300 – 850 gm)
Wingspan: 22.1 – 24.4 in (56 – 62 cm)

Perching Ducks in Illinois:

Explore the beauty of perching ducks that grace the lovely waters of Illinois!

18. Wood Duck – (Aix sponsa):

The Wood Duck is a colourful, eye-catching duck known for perching on tree branches. With a mixture of bright colours and patterns, they stand out in Illinois’s woods, lakes, and rivers.

Their unique habit of perching and incredible colours make them a fascinating sight during your nature explorations in Illinois.

Length: 18.5 – 21.3 in (47 – 54 cm)
Weight: 16.0 – 30.4 oz (454 – 862 gm)
Wingspan: 26.0 – 30.0 in (66 – 76 cm)

Whistling Ducks in Illinois:

19. Black-bellied Whistling Duck – (Dendrocygna autumnalis):

Meet the Black-bellied Whistling Duck, a charming bird with a unique whistle. They have a black belly, red bill, and love to make musical sounds.

You can find these delightful ducks in Illinois’s warm lakes, ponds, and wetlands, where they enjoy the water and find plenty of food.

Their cheerful whistles and cute looks make them a lovely sight during your outdoor adventures in Illinois.

Length:13 – 22 in (33 – 56 cm)
Weight: 22.4 – 38.4 oz (640 – 1090 gm)
Wingspan: 34 – 37 in (86 – 94 cm)

Mergansers in Illinois:

20.Common Merganser – (Mergus merganser):

The Common Merganser is a sleek, diving duck with a sharp bill. They are strong swimmers, often seen in Illinois’s fresh lakes, rivers, and streams.

With their glossy heads and bold colours, they are a splendid sight as they swim and dive for fish. These powerful ducks bring excitement and beauty to the waters of Illinois, making your outdoor experience even more special.

Length: 21.3 – 28.5 in (54 – 72 cm)
Weight: 31.7 – 76.2 oz (899 – 2160 gm)
Wingspan: 33.9 – 38.0 in (86 – 97 cm)

21. Red-breasted Merganser – (Mergus serrator):

The Red-breasted Merganser is a dynamic duck, known for its spiky hairdo and red chest. They are adventurous divers, exploring Illinois’s flowing rivers, lakes, and cold bays. These ducks are fast and graceful, diving to catch fish with their sharp bills.

Their energetic actions and unique looks make them a thrilling part of Illinois’s diverse bird family. Watch for their quick moves and colourful feathers during your nature walks!

Length: 20 – 25 inches (51 – 64 cm)
Weight: 33.5 – 47 oz (950 – 1,350 gm)
Wingspan: 26 – 29 inches (66 – 74 cm)

22. Hooded Merganser – (Lophodytes cucullatus):

The Hooded Merganser is a small duck with a big, fan-shaped hood. This special hood makes them easy to spot in Illinois’s lakes, ponds, and rivers. They dive underwater to find yummy food like fish and insects.

With their unique hood and bright eyes, the Hooded Merganser adds a touch of mystery and beauty to Illinois’s waters. Keep an eye out for this extraordinary duck on your nature adventures!

Length: 15.7 – 19.3 in (40 – 49 cm)
Weight: 16 – 31 oz (453 – 879 gm)
Wingspan: 23.6 – 26 in (60 – 66 cm)

Conservation Efforts in Illinois:

Illinois is home to many beautiful ducks, and taking care of them is very important. Some ducks are having a tough time because their homes are disappearing or getting dirty. Illinois is working hard to help these ducks.

Special plans, called conservation statuses, are used to protect the ducks and their homes. Efforts include cleaning the waters, protecting their living areas, and making sure they have enough food.

People are working together in Illinois to make sure that ducks have a happy and safe place to live.

Best Places to Spot Ducks in Illinois:

If you love ducks and want to see them up close, Illinois has some great spots for you. Here are a few places to visit and tips for a successful duck-watching adventure.

1. Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge: This big wetland is a favorite for ducks, especially during their migration times.

2. Mississippi River: Along the riverbanks, you can spot Mallards and Northern Pintails. Check out the calm backwaters for more surprises.

3. Chain O’Lakes State Park: This park with its many lakes and marshes is a duck paradise, especially during spring and fall migrations.

Tips for Duck Spotting:

Bring binoculars to see ducks from afar.
Be quiet and patient to not scare them away.
Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best views.
Always respect their homes and keep a safe distance.

With these tips, you’ll have a quacking good time spotting ducks in Illinois!

FAQs:

1. What types of ducks are common in Illinois?

Common ducks in Illinois include Mallards, Northern Pintails, and Wood Ducks. These ducks can be spotted in various water habitats throughout the state.

2. When is the best time to spot ducks in Illinois?

The best time for duck spotting is during the migration seasons, typically in spring and fall. During these times, you can see a wide variety of duck species passing through Illinois.

3. Are there any endangered duck species in Illinois?

Yes, some endangered duck species in Illinois include the Northern Pintail and the Canvasback. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these vulnerable ducks.

4. What are some popular duck-watching spots in Illinois?

Popular duck-watching spots in Illinois include Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, the Mississippi River, and Chain O’Lakes State Park. These areas offer excellent opportunities to observe ducks in their natural habitats.

5. How does the change of seasons affect duck populations in Illinois?

Seasons play a significant role in duck populations. During winter, many ducks migrate to warmer areas. In spring and fall, Illinois becomes a temporary home for migratory ducks, making it an ideal time for duck-watching.

Conclusion:

Examining Illinois ducks offers a special experience. By learning about their habits and protecting their homes, we can connect more with these fascinating birds. Let’s appreciate and safeguard them for future generations to enjoy.