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Waterfowl & migratory birds

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Cavasback duck, comparing wings of a drake and hen

Waterfowl identification

Illustrations of several common Utah waterfowl

One of the largest and fastest ducks. The wedge-shaped bill gives this duck a unique profile. The drake has a whitish back.

Wilson's (common) snipe duck

The snipe usually flushes singly or in pairs and has a rust-colored patch on the back.

Dowitcher duck

The dowitcher, which flushes in flocks, has a white patch on the back.

Often mistaken for a mallard, but are quicker and more agile. Length: 21 in., weight: 2 lbs.

Drake has solid green head and short tail. Hen is mottled brown. Length: 24 in., weight: 2.75 lbs.

Distinguished by long, pointed tail. Very wary. Length: 26 in., weight: 1.75 lbs.

Often confused with the canvasback, the redhead has a grayer back and a more rounded head. Length 20: in., weight: 2.5 lbs

Both sexes have a pale, whitish ring around the tip of their bill. In flight, wings and back appear darker than on the scaup. Length: 17 in., weight: 2.5 lbs

Often called "spoon bill" and mistaken for mallard. Length: 19.5 in. weight: 1.5 lbs.

Scaup has a blue bill and a white band along the back of the wing. Length: 17 in., weight: 1.8 lbs.

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