USGS HomeContact USGSSearch USGS

Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

**Waterfowl Identification in the Central Flyway**
****

##       Introduction    

----

 The Flyway System was initiated in 1948 to allow differing regulations relating     to individual waterfowl populations migrating through each Flyway. This was     the genesis of species management. Further efforts toward species management     came into being when bag limits were reduced or seasons closed on specific     species that were in danger. Flock management within Flyways was put into     effect to allow more refinement in regulations for specific groups of birds.   

 The most recent innovation is the point-system regulation for duck hunting.     Point values are assigned each duck species on the basis of availability.     Those in good supply are given low point values, while those in lesser supply     have higher point values. The point-system regulation also allows in-hand     identification of the duck taken which helps the hunter avoid violation.   

 Every effort is being made to allow the most generous seasons possible with     the greatest amount of freedom for the hunter. Thus, it remains up to the     sportsman to take his share of the responsibility and train himself in identification     of waterfowl, not only in hand, but also in flight.   

 This guide demonstrates a sincere effort on the part of the Central Flyway     Waterfowl Council to aid the sportsman in waterfowl identification. Paintings     of ducks in various stages of plumage, photos of wings, and descriptions of     distinguishing characteristics have been included as an aid to identification     of birds in hand and in flight.   

 The observer should become familiar with seasonal variations in coloration     patterns of plumage. Sexes of some species are nearly identical year-round,     but most species exhibit marked differences between sexes with the male being     more brightly colored. However, the brighter plumage of the male is present     only from fall through the spring season. In summer, the male molts and resembles     the hen very closely. Its coloration gradually changes from hen-like to a     blotchy, partial coloration, and finally full winter plumage. Young-of-the-year     males also evolve through these stages.   

 Thus, about the first of October when hunting seasons are likely to begin     in the Central Flyway, many males may resemble females or are in various stages     of molt toward full winter coloration. However, there are characteristics     which will help identification. For example, the male's bill is usually quite     different from the female's. The females bill in most species will have dark     spots or blotches. Wings are also different between sexes for most species.     It should also be noted that wings retain similar characteristics throughout     the year while the body plumage is changing. Foot coloration can also be useful     in identifying species. These features as well as other distinguishing characteristics,     including some to watch for in flight, are made note of in the text or otherwise     pointed out in this booklet.   

 As with most endeavors, there is no substitute for experience. Efforts toward     mastery of identification should take place in the field. The design of this     guide was specifically selected to encourage its use while hunting. Careful     study and use of this guide coupled with experience gained while observing     waterfowl in the field will allow identification to become automatic.   

**      CENTRAL FLYWAY WATERFOWL COUNCIL     **

----

Return to Contents
Next Section

AccessibilityFOIAPrivacyPolicies and Notices

U.S. Department of the Interior |		U.S. Geological Survey		URL: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/waterfwl/intro.htm		Page Contact Information: Webmaster		Page Last Modified: Thursday, 03-Aug-2006 11:32:16 EDT		Reston, VA [vaww54]