Ducks in New Hampshire

Ducks in New Hampshire are an important part of the state’s wildlife. You can find many different duck species in lakes, rivers, wetlands, and coastal areas. These ducks in New Hampshire come in many shapes and colors. Some stay all year, while others migrate through the state during different seasons. Whether you enjoy birdwatching or hunting, New Hampshire offers great opportunities to see these beautiful waterfowl. This guide will help you learn about the most common ducks in New Hampshire, their habitats, migration patterns, and the best places to observe or hunt them. Understanding these ducks helps protect their natural homes.qw

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

The Mallard, scientifically known as Anas platyrhynchos, is one of the most recognizable duck species in New Hampshire. Dabbling ducks like Mallards frequently gather in ponds, lakes, and rivers across the state. Male Mallards display their distinctive green heads, while females show mottled brown plumage. These adaptable birds thrive in both urban and rural settings, feeding on various plant materials and small invertebrates.

Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors)

The Blue-winged Teal, or Anas discors, is a small dabbling duck that frequents New Hampshire’s shallow wetlands and marshes during migration periods. Birders easily identify them by the blue patches on their wings and the rapid, twisting patterns of their flight.. These birds prefer inland zones with abundant vegetation, where they feed on seeds and aquatic invertebrates.

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes)

The American Black Duck, known scientifically as Anas rubripes, is a native waterfowl species that thrives in New Hampshire’s coastal zones, tidal flats, and salt marshes. They resemble female Mallards but have a darker plumage and a more robust build. These ducks are often found in estuaries and wetlands, feeding on aquatic plants and small animals.

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)

Birders easily identify them by the blue patches on their wings and the rapid, twisting patterns of their flight. Their unique feeding behavior involves skimming the water’s surface to collect plankton and other small organisms.

Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope)

The Eurasian Wigeon, scientifically named Mareca penelope, is a rare visitor to New Hampshire. Birders occasionally spot these migratory birds in the state’s coastal zones and estuaries during migration. They fill the air with distinctive whistling calls and prefer feeding on grasses and aquatic plants.

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)

The Northern Pintail, or Anas acuta, is a graceful dabbling duck with a slender neck and pointed tail feathers. In New Hampshire, they typically gather on open water like lakes and rivers, especially during migration seasons. Their diet consists mainly of seeds and aquatic insects.

American Wigeon (Mareca americana)

The American Wigeon, known as Mareca americana, is a medium-sized dabbling duck that frequents New Hampshire’s wetlands and marshes. Males show a white forehead and a green eye patch that make them easy to recognize. These ducks feed on aquatic vegetation and often graze in fields near water bodies.

Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)

The Green-winged Teal, or Anas crecca, is one of the smallest dabbling ducks found in New Hampshire. They inhabit shallow wetlands, marshes, and ponds, feeding on seeds and small invertebrates. Their compact size and rapid flight make them a favorite among birdwatchers.

The Gadwall, scientifically known as Mareca strepera, is a subtle yet elegant dabbling duck that frequents New Hampshire’s lakes and marshes. Males show a distinctive black rear end and a white speculum, while females display mottled brown plumage for better camouflage. They primarily feed on aquatic vegetation.

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)

The Wood Duck, or Aix sponsa, is one of the most colorful duck species in North America. In New Hampshire, they nest in forested wetlands and swamps, often utilizing tree cavities or nest boxes.They feed on seeds, fruits, and insects, and birders often spot them in sheltered coves and quiet ponds.

Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)

The Bufflehead, known as Bucephala albeola, is a small diving duck that inhabits New Hampshire’s lakes and coastal zones during the winter months. They are recognized by their large, rounded heads and striking black-and-white plumage. Buffleheads dive underwater to feed on aquatic invertebrates.

Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)

The Ring-necked Duck, or Aythya collaris, is a medium-sized diving duck commonly found in New Hampshire’s freshwater lakes and ponds. Despite its name, the ring around its neck is often hard to see. These ducks feed on submerged vegetation and invertebrates.

Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)

The Lesser Scaup, scientifically named Aythya affinis, is a diving duck that frequents New Hampshire’s open water bodies during migration. They are similar in appearance to the Greater Scaup but are slightly smaller. Their diet includes mollusks, insects, and aquatic plants.

Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)

The Greater Scaup, or Aythya marila, is a robust diving duck that inhabits New Hampshire’s coastal zones and large lakes. They are known for their blue bills and preference for diving to feed on mollusks and crustaceans.

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)

The Ruddy Duck, known as Oxyura jamaicensis, is a small, stout diving duck with a distinctive stiff tail that often points upward. In New Hampshire, they are found in marshes and ponds, feeding on aquatic insects and plants.

Redhead (Aythya americana)

The Redhead, or Aythya americana, is a medium-sized diving duck with a striking reddish head and gray body. Birders commonly spot them in New Hampshire’s lakes and marshes, where they feed on submerged vegetation and invertebrates.

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria)

The Canvasback, scientifically named Aythya valisineria, is a large diving duck known for its sloping forehead and long bill. In New Hampshire, they inhabit open water areas and feed primarily on aquatic plants.

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)

The Hooded Merganser, or Lophodytes cucullatus, is a small diving duck with a distinctive fan-shaped crest. They are found in New Hampshire’s forested wetlands and rivers, feeding on fish and aquatic insects.

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)

The Common Merganser, known as Mergus merganser, is a large diving duck that frequents New Hampshire’s rivers and lakes. They have slender, serrated bills adapted for catching fish, which make up the majority of their diet.

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

The Common Eider, or Somateria mollissima, is a large sea duck that inhabits New Hampshire’s coastal zones and tidal flats. They are known for their down feathers and feed primarily on mollusks and crustaceans.

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

The Common Goldeneye, scientifically named Bucephala clangula, is a medium-sized diving duck that winters in New Hampshire’s lakes and rivers. They are recognized by their golden eyes and distinctive whistling wings during flight.

Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)

The Red-breasted Merganser, or Mergus serrator, is a slender diving duck found in New Hampshire’s coastal zones and estuaries. They have spiky crests and feed primarily on fish, diving underwater to catch their prey.

White-winged Scoter (Melanitta deglandi)

The White-winged Scoter, known as Melanitta deglandi, is a large sea duck that frequents New Hampshire’s coastal waters during the winter months. They are identified by the white patches on their wings and feed on mollusks and crustaceans.

Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)

The Surf Scoter, or Melanitta perspicillata, is a robust sea duck that inhabits New Hampshire’s coastal zones and open water areas. They are known for their distinctive colorful bills and preference for feeding on shellfish.

Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)

The Long-tailed Duck, scientifically named Clangula hyemalis, is a medium-sized sea duck that winters in New Hampshire’s coastal waters. They are recognized by their long tail feathers and dive deeply to feed on mollusks and crustaceans.

Black Scoter (Melanitta americana)

The Black Scoter, or Melanitta americana, is a small sea duck that frequents New Hampshire’s coastal zones during the winter. Males are entirely black, while females are brown with pale cheeks. They feed on mollusks and other marine invertebrates.

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Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica)

The Barrow’s Goldeneye, or Bucephala islandica, is a less common diving duck seen in New Hampshire, especially during winter. These ducks prefer coastal zones, lakes, and rivers where they dive for aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish. The males are striking with their dark glossy heads and white facial patches, while females are more muted in color. Barrow’s Goldeneye often nest in tree cavities near water and are known for their quiet, shy behavior. Conservation efforts help maintain their habitats across the Granite State, supporting sustainable populations in these critical areas.

King Eider (Somateria spectabilis)

The King Eider, scientifically named Somateria spectabilis, is a rare but spectacular sea duck that sometimes visits New Hampshire’s coastal waters during migration or winter. They are among the largest eiders, recognized by their bold, colorful bills and striking plumage. King Eiders dive deep to feed mainly on mollusks and crustaceans found on tidal flats and coastal zones. Due to their offshore habits, sightings can be a treat for local birdwatchers and ornithologists alike. Protecting their habitats through conservation of marine and estuary environments is vital for their continued presence along the Atlantic Flyway.

Duck Habitats in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s variety of duck habitats includes wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, coastal zones, and tidal flats. Each species of duck selects habitat based on its feeding and breeding needs. For example, dabbling ducks like the Mallard and Blue-winged Teal prefer shallow wetlands with plenty of aquatic plants and insects, while diving ducks such as Buffleheads and Scaup frequent deeper lakes and coastal waters. Salt marshes and estuaries around the coast provide critical resting and feeding grounds for migrating ducks like the American Black Duck and Common Eider. Proper management and conservation of these diverse environments ensure that waterfowl continue to thrive in the Granite State year after year.

Duck Migration Patterns

Ducks in New Hampshire follow well-established migration routes, mainly along the Atlantic Flyway, one of North America’s primary bird migration corridors. In spring and fall, you’ll see many species arriving or departing from their breeding grounds in the north or wintering areas in the south. Some ducks, like the Green-winged Teal and Northern Shoveler, make short stopovers in the state’s wetlands and marshes to rest and feed. Others, such as the Common Eider and King Eider, move through coastal areas during their longer migrations. These patterns help maintain healthy populations by linking distant habitats. Tracking migration with birdwatching data and field observations provides valuable insight for avian research and conservation status assessments.

Top Duck Hunting Locations in New Hampshire

Several prime locations in New Hampshire attract both ducks and hunters. The Great Bay Estuary is a rich habitat with extensive salt marshes and tidal flats, providing food and shelter for many waterfowl species. The Umbagog Refuge, a protected wetland area, offers a vast expanse of lakes and marshes ideal for both birdwatching and duck hunting. Inland ponds, rivers, and forested wetlands throughout the state also support diverse duck populations. These spots require careful scouting and knowledge of duck behavior, but they reward visitors with abundant wildlife and excellent hunting experiences. Hunters and nature lovers alike benefit from the Granite State’s commitment to conserving these habitats.

Conclusion

Ducks in New Hampshire represent a vibrant and essential part of the state’s natural heritage. With over twenty-eight species documented across diverse habitats—from coastal zones and wetlands to forested ponds and estuaries—the Granite State offers rich opportunities for birdwatchers and duck hunters alike. Understanding the unique needs and behaviors of each duck species, from the common Mallard to the rare King Eider, helps us appreciate their role in the ecosystem. Conservation efforts and responsible hunting practices ensure these beautiful birds will continue to grace New Hampshire’s waters for generations to come. Whether you’re spotting a flash of green-wing in a marsh or preparing for the season at a top hunting site, the story of ducks in New Hampshire is one of nature’s enduring wonders.