WATERFOWL OF LI
DUCKS, LOONS, GREBES
On this page you will find photos of the ducks, loons, and grebes that we see most often on Long Island.
These pages are for quick identification.
You can click on any of the photos for more in-depth information and larger images.
Basic Characteristics
- Legs centrally located on body; walks on land easily
- Tips up to feed, with rear-end out of water
- Feeds in shallow water
- When swimming, sits high in water with head high, and tail out of water
- Takes flight by bolting straight up and out of water
- Lots of color
Basic Characteristics
- Legs placed closer to rear of body, walks on land with some difficulty
- Dives to feed; up to 40' in depth, wings tucked when diving
- Feeds in deeper water than Dabblers
- When swimming, sits low with tail in water
- Less colorful than Dabblers
- Takes flight by using feet to propel forward; appears to be running on the water
Basic Characteristics
- Sits low in water, with tail in water
- Dives to 200' or more
- Opens wings under water
- Feet at back of body, has difficulty walking on land
- Hind toe has paddle-like flap
- Run "on water" to take flight
Basic Characteristics
- Sits low in water, often swimming with head submerged
- Dives are usually only about 30' but can go to 200'
- Usually propelled by feet
- Feet far back on body, cannot walk on land
- Long bodies, low slung appearance
- Must run "on water" to take flight
Basic Characteristics
- Sits up in water, with head high
- Dives are varied; often thrusts head forward, then dives, sometimes sinks gradually
- Underwater holds wings tight to body and is propelled by feet
- Feet far back on body, almost helpless on land
- Must "skitter across water" to take flight
