Surface-Feeding Ducks

(Subfamily Anatinae)

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

Surface-feeding ducks: the so-called dabbling ducks or "puddle ducks" of the shallow marshes. They can dive, but usually tip up for food. Their food is mainly leaves, stems, and tubers of marsh plants, seeds of grass and sedge, plus some aquatic insects, snails, etc. They are agile fliers that take off nearly vertically from the water into flight.

Males and females have different plumages. Most have a bright, distinctive rectangle of color (the speculum) on the hind edge of each wing. Their feet are set close to the center of their body, which makes them more sure-footed on land than are the diving ducks. Ducks feeding on croplands will usually be this type.

Members of this subfamily which may likely be seen in Northern Utah:

Utah Marsh Birds
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