Diving Ducks

Waterfowl (Order Anseriformes, Family Anatidae in North America are divided into seven subfamilies:

• Swans (Subfamily Cygninae)
• Geese (Subfamily Anserinae)
• Surface-Feeding Ducks (Subfamily Anatinae)
• Tree Ducks (Subfamily Dendrocygninae)
• Diving Ducks (Subfamily Aythyinae)
• Stiff-tailed Ducks (Subfamily Oxyurinae)
• Mergansers (Subfamily Merginae)

This subfamily includes the bay and sea ducks. They are heavy, rather large, short-necked birds, usually seen along coasts and in protected bays and river mouths. In winter they often occur in large flocks, frequently of mixed species.

The diving ducks prefer deeper water than the surface-feeders, where they can dive and swim under water searching for food. They eat more animal food than do the surface feeders, such as mollusks and aquatic insects. Much of their food is taken from muddy bottoms. This makes them more vulnerable to lead poisoning in areas where shooting has occurred.

The wings are smaller in proportion than the dabblers. When taking off, they patter along on top of the water. When landing, they spread large feet and plop into the water. The feet have a large lobe on the hind toe, which acts as a paddle. The legs are set far back on the body, making them awkward on land.

Members of this subfamily which might be seen in Northern Utah:

• Redhead ( Aythya americana )
• Canvasback ( Aythya valisineria )
• Lesser Scaup ( Aythya affinis )
• Common Goldeneye ( Bucephala clangula )
• Bufflehead ( Bucephala albeola )
• Oldsquaw ( Clangula hyemalis ) ** very unusual