Waterfowl | Anseriformes

Anseriformes, or waterfowl, are an order of aquatic birds that include ducks, geese, and swan. Since these birds are frequently aquatic, many Anseriformes have webbed feet. Anseriformes are medium to large in size and are primarily herbivorous, but will forge on occasion for insects, mollusks, or small fish. During mating season, Anseriformes will often display complex courting displays with various vocalizations and body postures. Anseriformes are found worldwide, except in the Antarctic region. Anseriformes have been domesticated for their egg, meat, and liver production and some are hunted for sport or for their feathers.

What do waterfowl eat?

A waterfowl’s diet is dependent on their habitat, and species. Some waterfowl are omnivores while others are exclusively herbivores. Herbivores may eat smartweed, pondweeds, widgeon grass, natural seeds, and native plants to their habitat. Some waterfowl may consume aquatic invertebrates. Waterfowl typically eat about 10% of their body weight in plant matter every day.

How do you hunt waterfowl?

In order to hunt waterfowl successfully you will need to get the right camouflage gear, hunt with someone who has hunting experience, and make sure you hunt in an area in which you have permission to do so. It is also important to have the right firearm and decoy, have the right duck call, and hunt legally.

Why is it illegal to hunt waterfowl with lead shot?

It is illegal to hunt waterfowl with lead shot due to high levels of lead in meat that has been commercially processed. The residual lead in the meat is from the bullets used in hunting. Lead is especially harmful to small children and pregnant women.

Waterfowl Guides
Browse through our curated Waterfowl Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Waterfowl. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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24”-30.7” | 61-78 cm
63”-79” | 160-201 cm (Wingspan)
43.3”-55.9” | 110-142 cm
8.2-19.8 lb | 3.7-9 kg
12-40 years
Black Swan
78.000
201.000
142.000
9.000
40.00
695200
GUIDE
3D
Black Swan
7.5”-9.4” | 19-24 cm
20”-24” | 51-61 cm (Wingspan)
13”-16” | 33-41 cm
.6-1.2 lb | .27-.55 kg
3-18 years
Bufflehead
24.000
61.000
41.000
0.550
18.00
21060
GUIDE
3D
Bufflehead
14.6”-21.7” | 37-55 cm
50”-73” | 127-185 cm (Wingspan)
29.5”-43.3” | 75-110 cm
5.5-14 lb | 2.5-6.35 kg
10-24 years
Canada Goose
55.000
185.000
110.000
6.350
24.00
31200
GUIDE
3D
Canada Goose
11.4”-14.6” | 29-37 cm
34”-38” | 86-97 cm (Wingspan)
22”-28” | 56-71 cm
2-4.6 lb | .9-2.1 kg
11-15 years
Common Merganser
37.000
97.000
71.000
2.100
15.00
13350
GUIDE
3D
Common Merganser
24.4”-29.9” | 62-76 cm
58”-71” | 147-180 cm (Wingspan)
29.1”-35.8” | 74-91 cm
4.9-10.1 lb | 2.2-4.6 kg
15-31 years
Domestic Goose
76.000
180.000
91.000
4.600
31.00
9200
GUIDE
3D
Domestic Goose
15.75”-17.3” | 40-44 cm
48”-56” | 122-142 cm (Wingspan)
26”-28” | 66-71 cm
4.3-6.9 lb | 1.95-3.13 kg
6-12 years
Emperor Goose
44.000
142.000
71.000
3.130
12.00
2530
GUIDE
3D
Emperor Goose
Gadwall
14040
11”-13.4” | 28-34 cm
31”-35” | 79-89 cm (Wingspan)
18”-22” | 46-56 cm
1.2-2.2 lb | .55-1 kg
10-28 years
Gadwall
34.000
89.000
56.000
1.000
28.00
14040
GUIDE
3D
Gadwall
8.7”-12.6” | 22-32 cm
22”-26” | 56-66 cm (Wingspan)
14”-20” | 36-51 cm
1-1.7 lb | .45-.76 kg
12-20 years
Harlequin Duck
32.000
66.000
51.000
0.760
20.00
12050
GUIDE
3D
Harlequin Duck
9.8”-12.2” | 25-31 cm
23”-28” | 58-71 cm (Wingspan)
15.75”-19.3” | 40-49 cm
1-1.9 lb | .45-.88 kg
11-16 years
Hooded Merganser
31.000
71.000
49.000
0.880
16.00
27070
GUIDE
3D
Hooded Merganser
Mallard
105400
12.6”-17.7” | 32-45 cm
32”-39” | 81-99 cm (Wingspan)
19.7”-28” | 50-71 cm
1.5-3.5 lb | .7-1.6 kg
5-29 years
Mallard
45.000
99.000
71.000
1.600
29.00
105400
GUIDE
3D
Mallard
14.2”-18.1” | 36-46 cm
54”-60” | 137-152 cm (Wingspan)
26”-33.1” | 66-84 cm
6-15 lb | 2.72-6.8 kg
6-15 years
Muscovy Duck
46.000
152.000
84.000
6.800
15.00
68000
GUIDE
3D
Muscovy Duck
33.1”-42.9” | 84-109 cm
59”-94” | 150-239 cm (Wingspan)
49.2”-63” | 125-160 cm
19-26 lb | 8.62-11.79 kg
15-25 years
Mute Swan
109.000
239.000
160.000
11.790
25.00
24800
GUIDE
3D
Mute Swan
8.9”-10.6” | 22.5-27 cm
31”-33” | 79-84 cm (Wingspan)
16.9”-20.9” | 43-53 cm
1.5-3.2 lb | .68-1.45 kg
10-23 years
Redhead Duck
27.000
84.000
53.000
1.450
23.00
5860
GUIDE
3D
Redhead Duck
7.9”-10” | 20-25.5 cm
22”-25” | 56-64 cm (Wingspan)
13.4”-16.9” | 34-43 cm
.8-1.8 lb | .35-.8 kg
13-20 years
Ruddy Duck
25.500
64.000
43.000
0.800
20.00
20300
GUIDE
3D
Ruddy Duck
18.9”-24.8” | 48-63 cm
53”-65” | 135-165 cm (Wingspan)
25.2”-33.1” | 64-84 cm
4.4-7.1 lb | 2-3.2 kg
15-25 years
Snow Goose
63.000
165.000
84.000
3.200
25.00
22300
GUIDE
3D
Snow Goose
37.8”-46.5” | 96-118 cm
72”-102” | 183-259 cm (Wingspan)
57.1”-70.9” | 145-180 cm
15.4-30 lb | 7-13.6 kg
24-35 years
Trumpeter Swan
118.000
259.000
180.000
13.600
35.00
13100
GUIDE
3D
Trumpeter Swan
29.5”-37.8” | 75-96 cm
72”-84” | 183-213 cm (Wingspan)
45.3”-59.1” | 115-150 cm
7.5-21.2 lb | 3.4-9.6 kg
15-24 years
Tundra Swan
96.000
213.000
150.000
9.600
24.00
9350
GUIDE
3D
Tundra Swan
12”-13.8” | 30.5-35 cm
26”-30” | 66-76 cm (Wingspan)
18.5”-21.3” | 47-54 cm
1-1.9 lb | .45-.86 kg
15-23 years
Wood Duck
35.000
76.000
54.000
0.860
23.00
74600
GUIDE
3D
Wood Duck
Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Snow Goose to other species of waterfowl

The Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens) is a North American species; its name references the typically white plumage. The other plumage morph is gray/blue, and the bluish-gray plumage replaces the white except on the head, neck, and tail tip. The white-morph is all white except for the black wing tips. Both variations have rose-red feet and legs and pink bills with black tomia. They breed north of the timberline in Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and the northeastern tip of Siberia, and they spend winters in the warmer parts of North America- from southwestern British Columbia through parts of the United States to Mexico.

The Snow Goose has a wingspan in the range of 53”-65” (135-165 cm) and total weight of 4.4-7.1 lb (2-3.2 kg). The body of the Snow Goose has an overall length between 25.2”-33.1” (64-84 cm), body width of 7.9”-10.6” (20-27 cm), and standing height of roughly 18.9”-24.8” (48-63 cm). The typical lifespan of the Snow Goose is between 15-25 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Snow Goose in various poses with dimensions
The Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens) is a North American species; its name references the typically white plumage. The other plumage morph is gray/blue, and the bluish-gray plumage replaces the white except on the head, neck, and tail tip. The white-morph is all white except for the black wing tips.

The Snow Goose has a wingspan in the range of 53”-65” (135-165 cm) and total weight of 4.4-7.1 lb (2-3.2 kg). The body of the Snow Goose has an overall length between 25.2”-33.1” (64-84 cm), body width of 7.9”-10.6” (20-27 cm), and standing height of roughly 18.9”-24.8” (48-63 cm). The typical lifespan of the Snow Goose is between 15-25 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Snow Goose in various poses with dimensions
Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens)
Height:
18.9”-24.8” | 48-63 cm
Width:
53”-65” | 135-165 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
25.2”-33.1” | 64-84 cm
Depth:
Weight:
4.4-7.1 lb | 2-3.2 kg
Area:

Body Width: 7.9”-10.6” | 20-27 cm

Scientific Name
Anser caerulescens
Lifespan
15-25 years

Drawings include:

Snow Goose side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Harlequin Duck to other species of waterfowl

The Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is a small sea duck with a colorful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head, and a black-bordered white collar distinguishes the head from the breast. The body is mostly a lighter slate blue color with chestnut sides. Adult female Harlequin Ducks are less colorful. They breed in cold and fast moving streams, and they nest in a well-concealed location on the ground near a stream. Their smoothly packed feathers trap ample air which insulate their bodies from cold water.

The Harlequin Duck has a wingspan in the range of 22”-26” (56-66 cm) and total weight of 1-1.7 lb (.45-.76 kg). The body of the Harlequin Duck has an overall length between 14”-20” (36-51 cm), body width of 3.1”-4.3” (8-11 cm), and standing height of roughly 8.7”-12.6” (22-32 cm). The typical lifespan of the Harlequin Duck is between 12-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Harlequin Duck in various poses with dimensions
The Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is a small sea duck with a colorful and complex plumage pattern. The head and neck are dark slate blue with a large white crescent marking in front of the eye. A black crown stripe runs over the top of the head with a black-bordered white collar.

The Harlequin Duck has a wingspan in the range of 22”-26” (56-66 cm) and total weight of 1-1.7 lb (.45-.76 kg). The body of the Harlequin Duck has an overall length between 14”-20” (36-51 cm), body width of 3.1”-4.3” (8-11 cm), and standing height of roughly 8.7”-12.6” (22-32 cm). The typical lifespan of the Harlequin Duck is between 12-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Harlequin Duck in various poses with dimensions
Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Height:
8.7”-12.6” | 22-32 cm
Width:
22”-26” | 56-66 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
14”-20” | 36-51 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1-1.7 lb | .45-.76 kg
Area:

Body Width: 3.1”-4.3” | 8-11 cm

Scientific Name
Histrionicus histrionicus
Lifespan
12-20 years

Drawings include:

Harlequin Duck side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Scale illustration of an average Canada Goose compared to other waterfowl species

The Canadian Goose (Branta canadensis) is a large goose that is native to North America. They have a blackhead/neck, brown body with large wings, and a white bottom. As goslings hatch, they are born in a light-yellow color and progress to their natural brown. The geese are herbivores, meaning they have a plant-based diet, but if they cannot find any grass, they will eat small fish. Canada Geese are vocal and social birds and even come up to humans to snatch food or quack at you. Canada Geese migrate often reach parts of Europe and Southern countries; such as Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands.

The Canada Goose has a wingspan in the range of 50”-73” (127-185 cm) and total weight of 5.5-14 lb (2.5-6.35 kg). The body of the Canada Goose has an overall length between 29.5”-43.3” (75-110 cm), body width of 7.5”-11” (19-28 cm), and standing height of roughly 14.6”-21.7” (37-55 cm). The typical lifespan of the Canada Goose is between 10-24 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Canada Goose
The Canadian Goose (Branta canadensis) is a large goose that is native to North America. They have a blackhead/neck, brown body with large wings, and a white bottom. As goslings hatch, they are born in a light-yellow color and progress to their natural brown.

The Canada Goose has a wingspan in the range of 50”-73” (127-185 cm) and total weight of 5.5-14 lb (2.5-6.35 kg). The body of the Canada Goose has an overall length between 29.5”-43.3” (75-110 cm), body width of 7.5”-11” (19-28 cm), and standing height of roughly 14.6”-21.7” (37-55 cm). The typical lifespan of the Canada Goose is between 10-24 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Canada Goose
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Height:
14.6”-21.7” | 37-55 cm
Width:
50”-73” | 127-185 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
29.5”-43.3” | 75-110 cm
Depth:
Weight:
5.5-14 lb | 2.5-6.35 kg
Area:

Body Width: 7.5”-11” | 19-28 cm

Scientific Name
Branta canadensis
Lifespan
10-24 years

Drawings include:

Canada Goose side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
Scale illustration of an average Ruddy Duck compared to other waterfowl species

The Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) is a North American stiff-tailed duck that occupies marshy lakes and ponds; in the winter they migrate to coastal bays and unfrozen lakes and ponds. They are small and compactly built with stout, scoop-shaped bills, and long stiff-tails turned upwards. Adult males have a rich chestnut color and a bright blue bill, and in the winter they have a gray-brown coloration with a dull gray bill. Adult females are similar in appearance to winter males but with a blurry stripe across the pale check patch. Their diet consists of crustaceans, aquatic insects, and seeds and roots of aquatic plants.

The Ruddy Duck has a wingspan in the range of 22”-25” (56-64 cm) and total weight of .8-1.8 lb (.35-.8 kg). The body of the Ruddy Duck has an overall length between 13.4”-16.9” (34-43 cm), body width of 3.7”-5.1” (9.5-13 cm), and standing height of roughly 7.9”-10” (20-25.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Ruddy Duck is between 13-20 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Ruddy Duck
The Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) is a North American stiff-tailed duck that occupies marshy lakes and ponds; in the winter they migrate to coastal bays and unfrozen lakes and ponds. They are small and compactly built with stout, scoop-shaped bills, and long stiff-tails turned upwards.

The Ruddy Duck has a wingspan in the range of 22”-25” (56-64 cm) and total weight of .8-1.8 lb (.35-.8 kg). The body of the Ruddy Duck has an overall length between 13.4”-16.9” (34-43 cm), body width of 3.7”-5.1” (9.5-13 cm), and standing height of roughly 7.9”-10” (20-25.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Ruddy Duck is between 13-20 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Ruddy Duck
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
Height:
7.9”-10” | 20-25.5 cm
Width:
22”-25” | 56-64 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
13.4”-16.9” | 34-43 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.8-1.8 lb | .35-.8 kg
Area:

Body Width: 3.7”-5.1” | 9.5-13 cm

Scientific Name
Oxyura jamaicensis
Lifespan
13-20 years

Drawings include:

Ruddy Duck side view, front, flying (assorted)

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Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
Comparison drawing of the Hooded Merganser compared to other waterfowl

The Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a diving duck that is characterized by its crest that can be raised or lowered. Adult males are strikingly patterned and colored, and when breeding they are mostly black with white markings. During the nonbreeding season the male is similar to the female with the exception of the male’s yellow eyes. The female is grayish-brown with a white narrow patch over the lower breast and belly; the crest is reddish-brown that extends from the back of the head. As diving predators, the Hooded Merganser mostly feed on fish, but they may also consume aquatic insects and other invertebrates.

The Hooded Merganser has a wingspan in the range of 23”-28” (58-71 cm) and total weight of 1-1.9 lb (.45-.88 kg). The body of the Hooded Merganser has an overall length between 15.75”-19.3” (40-49 cm), body width of 5.5”-6.7” (14-17 cm), and standing height of roughly 9.8”-12.2” (25-31 cm). The typical lifespan of the Hooded Merganser is between 11-16 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Hooded Merganser
The Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a diving duck that is characterized by its crest that can be raised or lowered. Adult males are strikingly patterned and colored, and when breeding they are mostly black with white markings. The Hooded Merganser mostly feeds on fish.

The Hooded Merganser has a wingspan in the range of 23”-28” (58-71 cm) and total weight of 1-1.9 lb (.45-.88 kg). The body of the Hooded Merganser has an overall length between 15.75”-19.3” (40-49 cm), body width of 5.5”-6.7” (14-17 cm), and standing height of roughly 9.8”-12.2” (25-31 cm). The typical lifespan of the Hooded Merganser is between 11-16 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Hooded Merganser
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
Height:
9.8”-12.2” | 25-31 cm
Width:
23”-28” | 58-71 cm (Wingspan)
Length:
15.75”-19.3” | 40-49 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1-1.9 lb | .45-.88 kg
Area:

Body Width: 5.5”-6.7” | 14-17 cm

Scientific Name
Lophodytes cucullatus
Lifespan
11-16 years

Drawings include:

Hooded Merganser side view, front, flying (assorted)

Details & Downloads

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