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Indiana Duck Species

Primeval Indiana was a haven for many species of waterfowl. Most of the state was covered in marshy bogs and shallow bodies of water from which enormous deciduous trees grew. When the pioneers came and turned Indiana into farmland, they drained the swamps and significantly changed Hoosier biodiversity. Fortunately, several species of ducks were able to find homes in the remaining niches despite Indiana's relatively small number of natural bodies of water.

Dabbling Ducks
- A pintail drake, commonly found in Indiana.
  
  Most Hoosier ducks fall into the genus Anas, the species known as "dabbling ducks." Dabbling ducks in Indiana include the Green-winged, Cinnamon and Blue-Winged Teals, the Eurasian and American Wigeons, the Gadwall, the American Black Duck, the Northern Shoveler, and the Northern Pintail. One of the most common and easily recognized ducks across Indiana is the Mallard, whose males have a distinctive hunter green head.
Diving Ducks
- Ducks that dive for food belong to the genus Aythya. These ducks are commonly called Scaups, including the Greater and Lesser Scaups of Indiana. Other diving ducks in Indiana are the Redhead (Aythya Americana), the Ring-necked Duck and the Canvasback.
Seaducks in Indiana
- Several ducks whose primary habitat is the Eastern coast also live in Indiana. The Black Scoter, the Surf Scoter and the White-winged Scoter are members of the genus Melanitta. Mergansers are also a type of seaduck found in Indiana, including the Common, Red-breasted and Hooded Mergansers. The Common Goldeneye, Barrow's Goldeneye and the Bufflehead are seaducks of the genus Bucephala. Indiana is also home to the unique seaduck, the King Eider.
Other Indiana Ducks
- Though sometimes mistaken for mallards, wood ducks thrive in Indiana.
  
  Several unique ducks can be found in the lakes and streams of Indiana. Ducks that resemble geese include the Brant and the Black-belled and Fulvous Whistling Ducks. Stout ducks include the Ruddy Duck and the Wood Duck. The Harlequin Duck and the Long-tailed Duck both have distinct plumage that can be spotted in Indiana's waterways.

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