Ducks of the Lowland Pacific Northwest
| Introduction | Fresh Water Ducks | Salt Water Ducks | |
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Ducks are birds adapted to living directly on the water. This is a
remarkable and unique ability and requires some specialized anatomy and
behaviors. All ducks have a gland, usually at the base of the
tail, which secretes a waterproofing oil that the bird must spend
considerable time applying to its outer feathers. Ducks typically have a
spoon shaped bill, although one group, the merganers, have a pointed
bill. All ducks have webbed feet to assist them in moving on the
water. Fresh water ducks can be further divided into two groups, those that dive fully under the water and those which dabble, or tip only their heads under the water. The diving ducks eat bugs or fish which they catch under the water. The dabbling ducks typically eat plant material, which they root up from the edge of the lake or pond. Some dabbling ducks readily come on shore to graze on lawns. The Lowland Northwest is home to a large variety of ducks in the winter months. These birds start arriving in October and begin to depart for northern or eastern breeding grounds in the spring. Only the Mallard remains here year around. |
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