Diving Ducks

Diving Ducks are all Anatidae species which populate the great, deep bodies of water of the globe mainly in the temperate areas. They inhabit lagoons full of vegetation, near woodlands while in winter they gather in large flocks. They are omnivorous and feed larvae, insects and small invertebrate, into deep waters. The Diving Ducks are characterized by narrow bodies, large, long heads, flat bills and small tails. Their legs are short and located rather far back on the body, causing the more aquatic forms to be quite awkward ashore. They are graceful birds, heightened by contrasting colors which range from black, brown, and gray. Among this group there are: the Tufted Duck (Aythya Fuligula), the Ferruginous Pochard (Aythya Nyroca), the Ring-Necked Duck (Aythya Collaris), the New Zealand Scaup (Aythya Novaeseelandiae), the Greater Scaup (Aythya Marila), the Common Pochard (Aythya Ferina), the Red Head (Aythya Americana) and the Canvasback (Aythya Valisineria).