Ducks and Geese

Order: ANSERIFORMES - Family: ANATIDAE

165 Species currently existing - 23 in region + 4 vagrants

Ducks and geese are a diverse group of waterfowl inhabiting various wetland habitats across the country. Read in Spanish

Species Diversity: Colombia is home to a wide variety of ducks and geese species. Some common species include the Yellow-billed Pintail (Anas georgica), White-faced Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna viduata), Andean Duck (Oxyura ferruginea), and Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata), among others.

Physical Characteristics: Ducks and geese are characterized by their compact bodies, webbed feet, and specialized bills designed for feeding on aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish. They have waterproof feathers that help them float and regulate their body temperature. Males usually exhibit more vibrant plumage and distinctive features, such as colorful head markings or elongated feathers.

Habitat Preferences: Ducks and geese can be found in a range of wetland habitats, including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, and coastal areas. Some species also inhabit high-altitude lakes and wetlands in the Andean region. These waterfowl require suitable nesting sites, ample food sources, and undisturbed areas to rest and breed.

Migration and Breeding: Many duck species are migratory, taking advantage of the diverse climate and habitat offerings. During the breeding season, ducks and geese form pairs and construct nests near water bodies. They lay eggs and raise their young, teaching them essential skills for survival. Migration typically occurs in search of favorable feeding and breeding grounds.

Ecological Role: Ducks and geese play a vital role in the ecosystem. They disperse seeds through their feces, which aids in the regeneration of plant species. Their feeding habits also help control populations of aquatic invertebrates, contributing to ecosystem balance. Additionally, ducks and geese serve as indicators of wetland health, as their presence reflects the quality of these habitats.

Threats and Conservation: Ducks and geese face several threats in Colombia, including habitat loss, pollution of wetlands, hunting, and climate change. Conserving their habitats, implementing hunting regulations, and promoting educational initiatives are crucial for their long-term survival.

White-faced Whistling-duck

Dendrocygna viduata
Spanish name: Iguasa Careta

Size: 18 in | 46 cm
Habitat: Marshes and rice fields, north of Colombia and most of the Llanos
Height: <2700 m

Photo: © Luis A. Materon

Black-bellied Whistling-duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis
Spanish name: Pisingo

Size: 22 in | 56 cm
Habitat: In marshes and ricefields, in lowlands of the Andes and north of Colombia
Height: <2700 m

Photo: © Luis A. Materon

Fulvous Whistling-duck

Dendrocigna bicolor
Spanish name: Iguasa Maria

Size: 19 in | 48 cm
Habitat: Marshes and rice fields, lagoons north of the country, transient in east of the country
Height: <2700 m

Photo: © Luis A. Materon

Masked Duck

Nomonyx dominicus
Spanish name: Pato Enmascarado

Size: 13 in | 33 cm
Habitat: Freshwater lagoons and marshes
Height: <2700

Photo: © LeoMercon/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis
Spanish name: Pato Rufo

Size: 16 in | 41 cm
Habitat: Open bodies of fresh and somewhat salty or briny water. A diving duck.
Height:

Photo: © Bob Gwaltney Photography iStock/Getty Images Plus

Andean Duck

Oxyura ferruginea
Spanish name: Pato Andino

Size: 16 in | 41 cm
Habitat: Marshy and deep lakes and ponds
Height: 2000-4000 m

Photo: © Luis A. Materon

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana
Spanish name: Negrón Americano

Size: 19 in | 48 cm
Habitat: Coastal waters. A diving duck.
Height: <

Photo: © Doug Hitchcox eBird S33148516 Macaulay Library ML 43175941

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator
Spanish name: Serreta Mediana

Size: 23 in | 58 cm
Habitat: Coasts and shorelines, bays, salt marshes
Height:

Photo: © Gerry Woodling iStock/Getty Images Plus

Orinoco Goose

Oressochen jubatus
Spanish name: Pato Carretero

Size: 27 in | 69 cm
Habitat: The plains grasslands, freshwater marshes, river banks,
Height: <500 m

Photo: © Gabriel De Jesus Utria Ortega iStock/Getty Images Plus

Muscovy Duck

Cairina moschata
Spanish name: Pato Real

Size: 30 in | 76 cm
Habitat: Marshes, forested swamps, lakes, wooded rivers and swamps
Height: <1000

Photo: © Luis A. Materon

American Comb Duck

Sarkidiornis sylvicola
Spanish name: Pato Crestudo Americano

Size: 30 in | 76 cm
Habitat: Fresh water lakes, swamps, larger bodies of open water in llanos Colombia
Height: <500 m

Photo: © Rafael Cerqueira iStock/Getty Images Plus

Torrent Duck

Merganetta armata
Spanish name: Pato de Torrentes

Size: 17 in | 43 cm
Habitat: near fast flowing mountain streams, torrents, and waterfalls
Height: 1000 - 3500 m

Photo: © Eduardo Lago V.

Southern Pochard

Netta erythrophthalma
Spanish name: Pato Negro

Size: 20 in | 51 cm
Habitat: Marshes and shallow freshwaters
Height: <500 m rarely 2600 m

Photo: © hstiver iStock Getty Images Plus

Ring-necked Duck

Aythia collaris
Spaniish name: Pato Collarejo

Size: 17 in | 43 cm
Habitat: Fresh water marshes, ponds, wooded lakes and brackish marshes
Height: <2600 m

Photo: © Jeff Huth iStock/Getty Images Plus

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis
Spanish name: Pato Canadiense

Size: 16.5 in | 42 cm
Habitat: Wetlands, fresh water, open bays and brackish water
Height: <3000 m

Photo: © Luis A. Materon

Brazilian Teal

Amazoneta brasiliensis
Spanish name: Pato Brasileño

Size: 16 in | 41 cm
Habitat:
Height:

Photo: © Marcia Nelsis iStock/Getty Images Plus

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clipeata
Spanish name: Pato Cucharo

Size: 19 in | 48 cm
Habitat: Shallow bodies of fresh water as well as salt water
Height: <2600 m

Photo: © Luis A. Materon

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera
Spanish name: Pato Colorado

Size: 16 in | 41 cm
Habitat: Marshes and ponds
Height: <3500 m

Photo: © Eduardo Lago V.

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors
Spanish name: Barraquete Aliazul

Size: 16 in | 41 cm
Habitat: Shallow saltwater and fresh water, lowland marshes, coastal lagoons
Height: <3600 m

Gadwall Duck

Mareca strepera
Spanish name: Pato Friso

Size: 17 in | 43 cm
Habitat: Shallow fresh water, swamps, marshes
Height:

American Wigeon

Mareca americana
Spanish name: Pato Americano

Size: 20 in | 51 cm
Habitat: Shallow freshwaters, ponds, lakes and marshes
Height: <2600 m

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos
Spanish name: Pato Real

Size: 23 in | 58 cm
Habitat: Lakes, small ponds, rivers fresh and salt water wetlands
Height: <2600 m

White-cheeked Pintail

Anas bahamensis
Spanish name: Pato Cariblanco

Size: 17 in | 43 cm
Habitat: Brackish lakes, Marshes, estuaries, mangroves and bays
Height: <2600 m

Northen Pintail

Anas acuta
Spanish name: Pato Rabo-de-gallo

Size: 22 in | 56 cm
Habitat: Shallow fresh or saltwater marshes, bays, lakes
Height: <2600 m

Yellow-billed Pintail

Anas georgica
Spanish name: Pato piquidorado

Size: 24 in | 61 cm
Habitat: Marshes, inland lakes and rivers, shallow water bodies
Height: <3300 m

Common Teal

Anas crecca
Spanish name: Pato Aliverde

Size: 14 in | 36 cm
Habitat: Sheltered freshwater wetlands
Height: <2600 m

Andean Teal

Anas andium
Spanish name: Cerceta Barcina

Size: 16 in | 41 cm
Habitat: Andean lakes and ponds, freshwater wetlands
Height: <2600 - 4300 m

Back to Birds by Order and Family