If you think you know ducks, get ready to think again!

The Mallard is your classic duck, it belongs to a group known as the dabbling ducks. You can find dabbling ducks in freshwater lakes, rivers and ponds. 'Dabbling’ is when the ducks poke their bills just below the surface to feed on weeds, insects, and seeds. If you’re looking for another dabbling duck species to get excited about, might I suggest the Pintail? The Pintail duck is one of the UK’s classiest duck species (personal opinion). Pintails sport dove-grey plumage, a chocolate brown head and an extra-long tail.

Ready for level 2 of duck appreciation? Try the diving ducks on for size. As the name suggests, these ducks dive for their food. The short wings of diving ducks, although excellent for swimming, make flying difficult. Many species of diving ducks need a running start to get off the ground! These birds are often a little clumsy on land too as their legs are set quite far back on their bodies. The Tufted Duck is a wonderfully smart example of a diving duck. Male Tufted Ducks have black and white plumage, amber eyes and pale blue bills! Add to this their slicked back hairdo and that’s one smart duck.

Now for the truly top-tier ducks, we have sawbills. These ducks are fish-feeding specialists. For an example of a sawbill, you can’t go far wrong with the Common Goosander. Females have a spiky orange hairdo with a pink hooked bill. Male Goosanders have a dark green head and a light pink belly in the winter as well as a pink hooked bill.

Feeling inspired to see some of these fantastic, feathered friends for yourself? October is a great time to visit a local lake, pond, or river for a chance to spot some of these species. From autumn to spring, ducks are in their breeding plumage. October is a great time to see these species looking the most striking!