All Duck Species in World
130 species of duck
Ducks are familiar and widespread birds that can be found in nearly every river, lake, pond, and even ocean in the world, missing only from Antarctica. While most ducks share many characteristics and they are all members of the Anatidae bird family, the exact number of species varies depending on how each bird is classified. How many wild duck species have you seen?
Why Ducks Can Be Confusing
There are many different types of ducks, and the geese and swans in the same family are closely related, hence the confusion and variation when classifying waterfowl. Even more confusion sets in with these birds' common names, many of which are called "geese" while genetically they are actually ducks. Furthermore, in different parts of their range, the same duck species may be referred to by several different common names. This makes learning bird scientific names a good idea for any birder interested in these wacky waterfowl.
A Note About Domestic Ducks
Further creating confusion with duck species are domestic ducks raised for meat, eggs, or simply their exotic flair, though they are not considered independent duck species. In addition to the wild duck species that are officially recognized by birders and ornithologists, there are dozens of domestic duck breeds that might show up in urban or suburban areas,
