Diving Ducks

Diving Ducks are in the Subfamily Aythyinae.

Diving Ducks Types of Ducks Canvasback Lesser Scaup Redhead Duck Ring-necked

As the name implies, they dive under the water to catch the plant and animal matter common in their habitat.

Often diving ducks and sea ducks are grouped together because of their feeding habits. Technically, diving ducks are the subfamily of fresh water species. The USGS lists the Ring-necked, Redhead, Greater and Lesser Scaups and Canvasback as the diving duck species.

The male Redhead duck in the picture is common on lakes and wetland areas across the United States.

Diving ducks share a physiological foot characteristic. Compared to dabbling ducks, their legs and feet are situated further back on the body.

Having the legs situated this way helps them with their propulsion while they are in the water. It also makes it awkward for them to walk on land, consequently you rarely see them walking.

Leg structure also makes it easy to identify diving ducks at a distance. They need a running start on the water in order to lift off for flight. Their large webbed feet help them with that task. Dabbling ducks can take flight almost instantly.

Click on any of the links in the box to learn about different diving duck species.

© 2006 Patricia A. Michaels