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Waterbirds

Field cards gathered under the habitat of Waterbirds.

Waterbirds How to Tell a Great Blue Heron from a Great Egret

Ardeidae (herons, egrets, bitterns)

Great Blue Heron: 91–137 cm (36–54 in) length, wingspan 167–201 cm (66–79 in); Great Egret: 80–104 cm (31–41 in) length, wingspan 131–145 cm (52–57 in)

Fresh and saltwater marshes, swamps, lake and river edges, estuaries, mudflats, and agricultural fields; both species nest in trees near water

Great Blue Heron: deep, hoarse croak or 'fraaank'; Great Egret: harsh, raspy croak or 'kraak'

The Great Blue Heron and the Great Egret are two of the most familiar large wading birds in North America, and they often share the same wetlands. Waterbirds Why Mallards Dabble While Diving Ducks Go Under

Anatidae (ducks, geese, swans); Mallard is a dabbling duck (tribe Anatini), while diving ducks belong to tribes Aythyini (e.g., scaup, Redhead, Canvasback) and Mergini (e.g., goldeneyes, mergansers)

Mallard: 50–65 cm (20–26 in) long, wingspan 81–98 cm (32–39 in); diving ducks vary: e.g., scaup 39–51 cm (15–20 in), wingspan 68–84 cm (27–33 in); Canvasback 48–56 cm (19–22 in), wingspan 79–89 cm (31–35 in)

Mallard: shallow freshwater wetlands, ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers, and flooded fields; also city parks and reservoirs. Diving ducks: deeper lakes, rivers, bays, estuaries, and coastal waters; some species favor large open water, others fast-flowing rivers or wooded lakes.

Mallard: female loud series of quacks, decrescendo; male softer, rasping quack or low whistle. Diving ducks: generally quieter and less vocal; scaup give soft whistles and growls; Canvasback mostly silent, with low growls and coos; goldeneyes produce whistling wings and soft grunts.

Dabbling ducks and diving ducks are two broad groups within the waterfowl family, and their feeding styles shape nearly everything about how they look, move, and live. Waterbirds The Red-winged Blackbird's Call Is the First Sign of a Marsh

Icteridae (blackbirds, orioles, and allies)

Approximately 17–24 cm (6.5–9.5 in) in length; wingspan about 31–40 cm (12–16 in)

Marshes, wet meadows, reed beds, and agricultural fields, often near water; also uses upland fields and roadsides outside breeding season.

Male song: a liquid, gurgling 'conk-la-ree' or 'o-ka-leee'; calls include sharp 'check' notes and a metallic 'chack'.

The Red-winged Blackbird is one of the most familiar and widespread birds in North America, and its voice is often the first indication that a marsh is nearby.

Other habitats

Backyard Birds 3 field cards Birds of Prey 3 field cards Waterbirds 3 field cards Woodland Birds 3 field cards Open-Country Birds 3 field cards