Understanding Waterfowl
By participating in annual harvest surveys, you can help safeguard waterfowl populations and our hunting traditions
Today’s ducks and geese may have descended from species that once shared the planet with dinosaurs
Ducks and geese have many unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in these diverse environments
Recent studies have added to our knowledge about how different environmental factors impact when and where waterfowl migrate and winter
With breeding ground surveys canceled and severe drought developing on the prairies, how did waterfowl managers set this year's hunting regulations?
This enigmatic species vanished nearly 150 years ago—we still don't know why
Brood parasitism is more common among waterfowl than you might think
The distribution of midcontinent white-fronted geese has shifted in response to changing agricultural practices on the birds' wintering grounds
A variety of factors influence how ducks respond to decoys and calling
Thanks to new technology and cutting-edge research, waterfowl scientists are closer than ever to answering this age-old question
For waterfowl, timing is everything when selecting a mate
A closer look at the feeding ecology of North America's waterfowl
These distinctive diving ducks are among the world's most interesting waterfowl
DU’s chief scientist discusses the many factors that influence where and when waterfowl migrate
Waterfowl population size, productivity, and the influence on hunting seasons
When and where waterfowl migrate is determined largely by day length, weather, and food availability
"Until death do us part" - A statement that is generally true for geese, but not ducks
After the breeding season, ducks must molt and must build energy reserves in time for the fall migration
Do these fabled birds actually exist?
The dramatic growth of northern-nesting goose populations offers opportunities and challenges for waterfowl hunters and managers
A simple and effective duck blind starts with certain basics
A closer look at the biomechanics of waterfowl movements
Ducks and geese have a variety of adaptations to help them survive the coldest months of the year
Growing beaver populations have created an abundance of high-quality habitat for waterfowl
Wetlands and rivers in America's heartland provide vital migration habitat for millions of waterfowl
These highly adaptable ducks are found in a variety of habitats across the globe
Prolonged periods of dry weather can have both positive and negative impacts on waterfowl and their habitats
A closer look at the most common waterfowl illnesses
A closer look at how waterfowl use sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell to thrive in the wild
This country's diverse wetlands provide crucial wintering habitat for many of North America's ducks and geese
For almost 70 years, this system has been the basis for waterfowl management in the United States
These fascinating diving ducks share many common traits and behaviors
Ducks and geese rely on their remarkable plumage for many things, but especially to keep warm
A closer look at why the Prairie Pothole Region is North America's most productive waterfowl breeding area
Food and habitat resources needed for wintering black ducks
These fascinating ducks have many characteristics and behaviors that set them apart
We can't control the weather, but conserving wetlands and grasslands on the prairies will help ensure the long-term health of duck populations
Only two whistling ducks occur in the United States
Band recoveries reported by hunters are an essential source of information for waterfowl managers
A variety of factors influence how many young ducks fly south each fall
After the breeding season, ducks must molt and must build energy reserves in time for fall migration
How ducks and geese select their mates and maintain pair bonds varies among species.
A variety of factors influence the proportion of males and females in waterfowl populations.
Diving ducks are perfectly designed for feeding in deep-water habitats.
A look at the incubation process of the egg
Where ducks make their nests is vital to the birds' breeding success
Both instinct and learning play important roles in shaping waterfowl behavior
Waterfowl use their feet for much more than just standing and swimming
Isotope analysis is helping researchers solve waterfowl mysteries
For female waterfowl, hatching a nest requires a big investment of time and energy
Crossbreeding produces rare and interesting birds but also threatens the survival of some species
A drake’s bright colors and a hen’s dull plumage both play crucial roles in breeding
Many waterfowl broods include offspring from more than one male
Feeding and digestion in waterfowl
For many species of ducks, persistence is crucial to reproductive success
The breeding and feeding habits of these remarkable maritime birds differ greatly from those of dabbling ducks
Interpreting their odd assortment of whistles, grunts, quacks, honks, coos, clucks, and trills
Early life for young waterfowl can range from surviving in a single-parent family to living a bird’s version of an Ozzie and Harriet-style childhood.
Young waterfowl face many challenges but are well-adapted
These feeding tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes
The harlequin duck is among North America's most unusual waterfowl species
Ducks and geese may face severe water and food shortages in the Central Valley this year
The health of waterfowl populations depends largely on the ability of the birds to successfully nest and hatch broods
Bagging a banded duck or goose is always cause for celebration, but these coveted trophies also play a vital role in waterfowl management
While most waterfowl seek isolation during the breeding season, the birds are often highly gregarious the rest of the year
A closer look at the amazing journey ducklings make from fuzzballs to fledglings
Aquatic plants are a vital food source for many species of waterfowl
Habitat conditions on migration and wintering areas may influence waterfowl breeding potential the following spring
Gaining weight is a good thing for waterfowl during fall and winter
A closer look at the fascinating mating strategies of male ducks and geese
These small, shallow-flooded basins are vital to waterfowl production on the prairies
A closer look at the remarkable comeback of the giant Canada goose
Waterfowl replace all of their feathers with new plumage at least once a year
An important food source for many waterfowl, these tiny creatures have fascinating life histories
An inside look at the dynamic digestive system of waterfowl
A variety of factors affect the longevity of ducks and geese
Waterfowl have amazing navigational abilities that guide their migrations
Ducks and geese are well equipped to find food in a variety of habitats
DU research sheds new light on this prized bird's migration habits
Once Arctic-nesting geese reach their breeding grounds, they are in a race against time
With regular maintenance, manmade nesting structures can increase local production of these beautiful birds