Waterfowl

The Chesapeake is located along the Atlantic Flyway, which channels the annual seasonal flight of millions of migratory birds. The region has always been a favored winter residence or stopover for many species of waterfowl on their way to and from their northern breeding grounds. The wetlands, fields, shallows and open waters of the Bay offer a fertile environment for waterfowl to feed and rest.

What types of waterfowl are found in the Bay?

Chesapeake waterfowl fall into four categories: diving ducks, dabbling ducks, geese and swans. All have webbed feet and short legs, but each group has particular physical features tailored to their specific behavior and habitat requirements.

Diving ducks have legs that are situated far back under their bodies. This allows them to dive deep in search of food but makes it awkward for them to walk on land. Diving ducks include:

• Buffleheads
• Mergansers
• Redheads
• Canvasbacks
• Goldeneyes
• Ruddy ducks

Dabbling ducks have legs situated closer to the middle of their bodies, which enables them to walk easily but inhibits their diving ability. They feed in the shallows by “tipping up” their bottoms to reach food below the water. Dabblers include:

• Mallards
• Black ducks
• Pintails
• Widgeons

Geese are large birds with specialized bills for eating agricultural crops, underwater bay grasses and other vegetation. Migratory Canada geese are the most abundant waterfowl that winter in the Bay area; localized populations of Canada geese have taken up full-time residence in many of the watershed's parks, shorelines and golf courses. Other geese include brants and snow geese.

Swans are all-white birds with long necks. Like dabbling ducks, swans “tip up” to feed on underwater grasses. The tundra swan is the only native swan in the Bay region; the mute swan is an invasive species that was introduced in the 1960s and now lives here year-round.