Anatidae Family

Anatidae family is a biological classification that include Ducks, Geese and Swans. In the lakes of NYC during winter months you can see Mallards, American Black Ducks, Northern Shoveler, Bufflehead, Ruddy Ducks, Wood Ducks, Green Winged Teal, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Hooded Merganser, Canada Goose, Snow Goose, Brant and Mute Swans. There are many hybrids of Mallards due to inbreeding with domestic ducks. Female Mallards and American Black Ducks are very similar and can be distinguished by the color pattern deference of "Speculum". Canada Goose and Snow Goose used to be migratory birds and due to the abundant food supply in the city some of them have settled down in the city and pose a threat to the local airports. Wood Duck is a beautiful bird to watch and Ruddy Duck is one of the smallest Ducks in the world. Mute Swans are an invasive species from Asia and Europe.During the summer Ducks loose their flight feathers and become flightless. Bronx Zoo and Queens Zoo has an excellent collection of different Duck varieties.

A female Mallard and two Canada Goose in Hudson River near Riverside Park