Identifying Duck Species

February 22, 2024

Question: As a new waterfowl hunter, how do I learn the difference between duck species?

Answer: This is a common question among beginning waterfowl hunters mostly because they don’t want to run afoul of the law, but some hunters with good identification skills also select preferred duck species to harvest, or they may try to harvest primarily males vs. females.

California hosts 39 species or subspecies of waterfowl, so it can be challenging to learn to identify them. Experience is the best teacher and February is a great time in California to learn duck identification by direct observation.

Our recommendation is to visit any of CDFW’s wildlife areas or national wildlife refuges that are managed for waterfowl habitat, or perhaps wherever there is access to hunt waterfowl during the waterfowl season. Visit those places after the close of waterfowl season while the birds are still around. Bring a good pair of binoculars, a waterfowl identification book and maybe a knowledgeable friend who can help. Not only can you help learn to identify the birds from looking at them, but you’ll also begin to learn to distinguish the birds by their flight patterns and sounds they make.

Fun fact, most waterfowl don’t quack, they whistle or chirp in some form or another.

For more information, visit CDFW’s waterfowl program page ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Birds/Waterfowl ). It includes links to resources specific to waterfowl identification.

To find more information on CDFW Lands and their operating hours, please visit the CDFW Lands webpage ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands ). Also be sure visit the Emergency Closures page ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/Closures ) before visiting a CDFW office, facility or property.