Waterfowl Biology
History has repeatedly shown that waterfowl populations rebound when wet weather returns to the prairies
Recent genetic research has revealed that the modern mallard and its close relatives share common Ice Age origins
An overview of late-summer habitat conditions across key waterfowl breeding areas
Amalgamations of ducklings and goslings can include offspring from two or more females
A closer look at North America's most unusual waterfowl
For waterfowl, timing is everything when selecting a mate
$1 million gift by Sunshine Charitable Foundation helps fund the project
These distinctive diving ducks are among the world's most interesting waterfowl
The distribution of these highly prized birds is closely tied to water quality and food availability
Despite efforts to reduce their numbers, light goose populations continue to grow, potentially threatening other waterfowl species
Hens and their broods rely on a variety of wetland habitats as ducklings must grow quickly to join the fall migration
"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 return of the giant Canada goose has been a bonanza for waterfowlers
Researchers are using technology to learn more about this unique species
Ducks and geese have a variety of adaptations to help them survive the coldest months of the year
These highly adaptable ducks are found in a variety of habitats across the globe
Do you know where your ducks come from?
For almost 70 years, this system has been the basis for waterfowl management in the United States
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
Elegance and grace represented
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
DU is working to minimize waterfowl losses to disease and ensure a healthier future for North American ducks and geese
Only two whistling ducks occur in the United States
Differences in reproductive strategies have been the object of scientific investigation and debate for years
Recognizes exemplary professionalism and dedication to conserving wetland habitat
Objectives of DU's Florida Mottled Duck Research Project
Gulf Coast regions have been transformed by agriculture and urbanization
Farm Bill programs help ensure that wintering grounds across the continent continue to meet the needs of ducks and geese
As demands on our freshwater supplies continue to increase, certain water users and interest groups may find themselves becoming increasingly disregarded and dehydrated
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
Ducks and geese fly long distances to find the resources they need to survive and reproduce
What is it and what impacts it?
During spring migration, waterfowl need an abundance of food to return to the breeding grounds in good condition.
How ducks and geese select their mates and maintain pair bonds varies among species.
An in-depth look at the amazing visual abilities of waterfowl
An inside look at the nocturnal behavior of waterfowl
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
Once on the verge of extinction, the Aleutian goose has now surpassed population goals
Incredible information from the world of waterfowl
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
Blue-winged teal start heading south in August
Redhead hens are notorious for shirking brood-raising duties
For breeding hens, producing a brood of ducklings requires perseverance as well as good nesting habitat
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
Food availability on the wintering grounds may have a significant impact on waterfowl populations
Interpreting their odd assortment of whistles, grunts, quacks, honks, coos, clucks, and trills
Once threatened with near extinction, populations of one of North America’s most recognizable and celebrated waterfowl are now stable or increasing
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
A photographic tribute to North America's magnificent light geese
Many of the ducks harvested in the United States are raised in this remote northern region
DU researchers find that the conservation strategies needed to build mallard populations in the Great Lakes states differ from those needed to improve duck production on the prairies
The harlequin duck is among North America's most unusual waterfowl species
The health of waterfowl populations depends largely on the ability of the birds to successfully nest and hatch broods
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
Encapsulating versatility and beauty
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
Just how good were the good old days? Waterfowl biologists explore how large the fall flight might have been in early America
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
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
A photographic tribute to one of the world's most colorful ducks
DU research sheds new light on this prized bird's migration habits
Tips for keeping your wood duck nesting boxes in good condition season after season
Once Arctic-nesting geese reach their breeding grounds, they are in a race against time
Bottomland forested wetlands are havens for wintering waterfowl