Ducks

In the Mississagi Valley region there are two different types of

The Red-breasted Merganser - diving duck, photo taken Birds Picture Display

Ducks -- Diving Ducks and Marsh Ducks. Diving Ducks are Ducks that dive under the water either to feed on fish or escape danger. They can stay under for about a minute or two, and if scared usually surface quite far from where they went under. They are found on or near lakes, bays, and occasionally rivers. The species of Ducks that fall under this category in this area are the Ring-necked, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, and Red-breasted Merganser.

Marsh Ducks are surface feeding Ducks. They do not dive,

The Wood Duck, a marsh duck, photo taken from Birds Picture Display

however they do float with their rumps up in the air and heads under water when looking for food. They feed on aquatic plants, seeds, grasses, small aquatic animals, and insects. They are usually found on or near marshes, bays, swamps, lakes, streams, and rivers. Species falling under this category and found in the Mississagi area are the American Black Duck, Mallard Duck, Common Pintail, Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, and Green-winged Teal.