Tree 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)

Tree ducks are not all arboreal; "whistling duck" would be a more appropriate name. (Note: They are now called Whistling Ducks.) The sexes look alike. Tree ducks are very shy. When alarmed they raise their heads and look around, as geese do. Flight is strong, the wingbeats rather slow. In flight the feet project beyond the tail. Head and feet droop down below the body line. In landing, tree ducks extend their head and feet downward until the bill nearly touches the ground. Tree ducks are particularly fond of corn, but other seeds are eaten, as are acorns. Feeding is at night. Tree ducks do not dive. Call, a shrill whistle.

There are no members of this subfamily found in Northern Utah.