The Oldsquaw, aptly named “Long-tailed Duck”, breeds in the Arctic tundra, but is most frequently observed along both North American coasts during the winter.  It is a medium sized duck, 16-21” in length.  The four letter code is OLDS.

A medium sized duck, about 19” in length.  The four letter code is AMWI.  It is one of the most abundant and conspicuous wintering ducks along the Pacific Coast.

The Greater Scaup (GRSC) is about 18” long while the Lesser Scaup (LESC) is a little smaller at about 17”. The genus name Aythya (AY-thih-ah) is from the Greek aithya, a seabird. Other ducks in the same genus are Canvasback, Redhead, Tufted and Ring-necked Ducks.

The Gadwall (GADW) is a duck about 20” long with a wingspan of 33”. The genus name Anas (AY-nas) is Latin, for duck. The species name strepera (STREP-eh-rah) is from Latin, streperus, noisy, apparently in reference to loud calls of the female.

The Ruddy Duck (RUDU) is 15-16” long with a wingspan of 18.5”. The genus name Oxyura (OCK-sih-You-rah) is from Greek, oxys meaning sharp-pointed, and oura, tail, referring to the pointed tail of this duck.

The Wood Duck (WODU) is about 18.5” long with a wingspan of 30” and weight of 1.3 lb. (600g). The genus name Aix (AIKS) is from Greek, aix, a water bird.

Barrow’s Goldeneye is one of our Northwest winter specialties. It winters in Pacific coastal waters from Kodiak, AK to Puget Sound with smaller numbers south to northern California. Birders traveling to the Pacific Northwest are anxious to see this striking duck.

The Pacific Harlequin is the only duck in the world that divides its time between oceans and mountains.  It spends summers in turbulent mountain streams and winters in rocky coastal waters.  Weighing only 1 ½ pounds, a harlequin, 16-18” in length, is about half the size of a wild mallard.  The four letter code is HARL.

The handsome Hooded Merganser appears exclusively in North America, unlike other Mergansers.  At 16-19” it is one of our most beautiful waterfowl.  This duck’s thin spike-like bill with saw-like teeth and crested head give it a distinct profile.

Looking a bit like, “a casual, unkempt teenager with a spiky ‘punk cut’ crest,” (Dunne, 2006), the male Red-breasted Merganser strikes a bold appearance when in its alternate, breeding plumage.

Common Goldeneyes are very fast fliers.  They have been clocked at speeds over 30 mph (Eadie et al).  The “Whistler” as it is commonly known, has wing beats so rapid they make a metallic whistling sound during flight.

The long, spoon-shaped bill gives this small duck a front-heavy look.  It is about 19” long and the four letter code is NOSH.  When swimming, it sits low with the bill angled toward the water.  The males’ belly and sides are rufous with a pale blue patch on the forewing, green head and white breast.