Waterfowl Identification Trivia Questions and Answers

What is the most common duck in North America?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Gadwall
  • Wigeon

Correct Answer: Mallard

Correct Answer Explanation: The Mallard is the most common duck in North America, known for its distinctive green head and “quack.”

What is the name for the colored wing patch that is often iridescent and bright, used for identification?

  • Speculum
  • Eclipse Plumage
  • Puddle Ducks
  • Diving Ducks

Correct Answer: Speculum

Correct Answer Explanation: The speculum is a colored wing patch that can be used to identify different species of ducks.

What is the fastest-flying duck in North America?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Canvasback
  • Redhead

Correct Answer: Canvasback

Correct Answer Explanation: The Canvasback is the fastest-flying duck in North America, known for its distinctive white back and loud wingbeat.

Which duck is the only puddle duck with a white speculum?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Gadwall
  • Wigeon

Correct Answer: Gadwall

Correct Answer Explanation: The Gadwall is the only puddle duck with a white speculum, which sets it apart from other puddle ducks.

What is the name for the hen-like appearance that drakes take on after mating, lasting for a few weeks?

  • Speculum
  • Eclipse Plumage
  • Puddle Ducks
  • Diving Ducks

Correct Answer: Eclipse Plumage

Correct Answer Explanation: During eclipse plumage, male ducks lose their bright colors and resemble females, making them harder to identify.

Which duck has a long neck and tail, and often flies in zig-zagging patterns?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Gadwall
  • Wigeon

Correct Answer: Pintail

Correct Answer Explanation: The Pintail is known for its long neck and tail, which make it easy to recognize in flight.

Which type of duck typically feeds in shallow waters by dabbling or tipping?

  • Speculum
  • Eclipse Plumage
  • Puddle Ducks
  • Diving Ducks

Correct Answer: Puddle Ducks

Correct Answer Explanation: Puddle ducks are named for their feeding habits, which involve dabbling or tipping in shallow water.

What is the name for the migratory route used by waterfowl?

  • Speculum
  • Eclipse Plumage
  • Puddle Ducks
  • Flyway

Correct Answer: Flyway

Correct Answer Explanation: Flyways are the migratory routes that waterfowl use to move between breeding and wintering grounds.

What is the name for a group of representatives from state wildlife agencies that work together to manage waterfowl populations?

  • Speculum
  • Eclipse Plumage
  • Flyway Council
  • Diving Ducks

Correct Answer: Flyway Council

Correct Answer Explanation: Flyway Councils are important for coordinating waterfowl management efforts across different states.

What is the process of regulating hunting and conserving waterfowl populations?

  • Speculum
  • Waterfowl Management
  • Puddle Ducks
  • Diving Ducks

Correct Answer: Waterfowl Management

Correct Answer Explanation: Waterfowl management is crucial for ensuring the sustainable use of waterfowl resources.

What is the name for areas of land that are saturated with water for at least part of the year?

  • Speculum
  • Wetlands
  • Puddle Ducks
  • Diving Ducks

Correct Answer: Wetlands

Correct Answer Explanation: Wetlands are vital habitats for waterfowl, providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds.

Which duck is known for its distinctive “quack” and often seen feeding in harvested fields?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Canvasback
  • Wood Duck

Correct Answer: Mallard

Correct Answer Explanation: Mallards are one of the most common waterfowl seen in agricultural areas.

Which duck is known for its long neck and tail, and often flies in zig-zagging patterns?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Canvasback
  • Wood Duck

Correct Answer: Pintail

Correct Answer Explanation: Pintails are graceful ducks with a distinctive flight pattern.

Which duck is the fastest-flying duck in North America, often found in large rafts on open water?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Canvasback
  • Wood Duck

Correct Answer: Canvasback

Correct Answer Explanation: The Canvasback is a powerful flier with a distinctive white back.

Which duck is brightly colored and often seen in wooded areas, known for its swift and direct flight?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Canvasback
  • Wood Duck

Correct Answer: Wood Duck

Correct Answer Explanation: Wood ducks are one of the most beautiful duck species, often found in forested wetlands.

Which duck is the smallest of the ducks, known for its erratic flight pattern and high-pitched calls?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Canvasback
  • Green-winged Teal

Correct Answer: Green-winged Teal

Correct Answer Explanation: Green-winged teal are small and fast-flying ducks, often seen in flocks.

Which diving duck has a white-edged wing, and is often seen in large flocks on open water?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Scaup
  • Wood Duck

Correct Answer: Scaup

Correct Answer Explanation: Scaup are diving ducks that are known for their distinctive white wing patch.

Which duck has a distinctive whistling sound in flight, and is often seen in inland waters and rapids?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Goldeneye
  • Wood Duck

Correct Answer: Goldeneye

Correct Answer Explanation: Goldeneyes are distinctive ducks with a loud whistling sound in flight.

Which small, black and white duck is known for its bold color pattern and swift flight?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Bufflehead
  • Wood Duck

Correct Answer: Bufflehead

Correct Answer Explanation: Buffleheads are small and colorful ducks with a distinctive flight pattern.

Which diving duck has a distinctive red breast, and is often seen on coastal waters?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Red-breasted Merganser
  • Wood Duck

Correct Answer: Red-breasted Merganser

Correct Answer Explanation: Red-breasted mergansers are diving ducks with a distinctive red breast and long, thin bill.

Which heavy, stocky sea duck is often seen flying in lines close to the water?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Common Eider
  • Wood Duck

Correct Answer: Common Eider

Correct Answer Explanation: Common Eiders are large sea ducks with a distinctive appearance.

Which duck has a distinctive green head and is known for its “quack”?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Gadwall
  • Wigeon

Correct Answer: Mallard

Correct Answer Explanation: The Mallard is one of the most recognizable ducks, with its green head and distinctive “quack”.

Which duck is the only puddle duck with a white speculum?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Gadwall
  • Wigeon

Correct Answer: Gadwall

Correct Answer Explanation: The Gadwall is a unique puddle duck with a white speculum, setting it apart from other puddle ducks.

Which duck is a long-necked duck that is often seen in zig-zagging flight?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Gadwall
  • Wigeon

Correct Answer: Pintail

Correct Answer Explanation: The Pintail is known for its graceful flight patterns and distinctive long neck and tail.

Which duck is a nervous duck with a white belly and forewing, and flies quickly and irregularly?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Gadwall
  • Wigeon

Correct Answer: Wigeon

Correct Answer Explanation: The Wigeon is known for its fast and erratic flight pattern and distinctive white belly and forewing.

Which duck has a spoon-billed and is known for its steady and direct flight?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Gadwall
  • Shoveler

Correct Answer: Shoveler

Correct Answer Explanation: The Shoveler has a distinctive spoon-shaped bill that is used to filter food from water.

Which duck is the smallest and one of the most common ducks in North America, with a distinctive blue forewing patch?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Blue-winged Teal
  • Green-winged Teal

Correct Answer: Blue-winged Teal

Correct Answer Explanation: The Blue-winged Teal is a small and common duck with a distinctive blue wing patch.

Which duck is a small, fast-flying duck that is known for its erratic flight pattern?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Blue-winged Teal
  • Green-winged Teal

Correct Answer: Green-winged Teal

Correct Answer Explanation: The Green-winged Teal is a small and fast-flying duck with a distinctive erratic flight pattern.

Which duck is a beautiful duck that is often seen perching in trees and feeding on acorns and berries?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Wood Duck
  • Canvasback

Correct Answer: Wood Duck

Correct Answer Explanation: The Wood Duck is a unique duck that is often found in wooded areas and is known for its beautiful plumage.

Which duck is a large duck that is often found in association with canvasbacks?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Redhead
  • Canvasback

Correct Answer: Redhead

Correct Answer Explanation: Redheads are large diving ducks that are often found in flocks with Canvasbacks.

Which duck has a faint brown ring on the drake’s neck, but it is not visible in the field?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Ringneck
  • Canvasback

Correct Answer: Ringneck

Correct Answer Explanation: The Ringneck is known for the faint brown ring on the drake’s neck, but it is rarely visible in the field.

Which diving duck is known for its white-edged wings and distinctive calls?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Scaup
  • Canvasback

Correct Answer: Scaup

Correct Answer Explanation: Scaup are diving ducks with white-edged wings and distinctive calls, often heard in flocks.

Which duck is often seen flying high in the air and is known for its distinctive whistling sound in flight?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Goldeneye
  • Canvasback

Correct Answer: Goldeneye

Correct Answer Explanation: The Goldeneye is known for its high-flying behavior and distinctive whistling sound in flight.

Which small, black and white duck has a bold color pattern and a swift flight pattern?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Bufflehead
  • Canvasback

Correct Answer: Bufflehead

Correct Answer Explanation: The Bufflehead is a small, fast-flying duck with a distinctive black and white color pattern.

Which diving duck is known for its distinctive upright tail?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Ruddy
  • Canvasback

Correct Answer: Ruddy

Correct Answer Explanation: The Ruddy is a diving duck with a distinctive upright tail that is often seen in the field.

Which diving duck is known for its distinctive red breast?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Red-breasted Merganser
  • Canvasback

Correct Answer: Red-breasted Merganser

Correct Answer Explanation: The Red-breasted Merganser is known for its distinctive red breast and long, thin bill.

Which large diving duck is known for its long, thin bill?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Common Merganser
  • Canvasback

Correct Answer: Common Merganser

Correct Answer Explanation: The Common Merganser is a large diving duck with a long, thin bill that is used to catch fish.

Which diving duck is known for its distinctive black and white head?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Hooded Merganser
  • Canvasback

Correct Answer: Hooded Merganser

Correct Answer Explanation: The Hooded Merganser is a diving duck with a distinctive black and white head, with a large black hood that can be raised.

Which large, heavy sea duck has white patches on its head?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • White-winged Scoter
  • Canvasback

Correct Answer: White-winged Scoter

Correct Answer Explanation: The White-winged Scoter is a large sea duck with distinctive white patches on its head and a dark body.

Which sea duck has a white patch on its head and a bright-colored bill?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Surf Scoter
  • Canvasback

Correct Answer: Surf Scoter

Correct Answer Explanation: The Surf Scoter is a sea duck with a white patch on its head and a distinctive bright-colored bill.

Which duck is the most common duck in North America?

  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Gadwall
  • Wigeon

Correct Answer: Mallard

Correct Answer Explanation: The Mallard is the most common duck in North America and is often seen in parks and urban areas.

What is the average weight of a Mallard?

  • 1 lb
  • 2¾ lbs
  • 3 lbs
  • 4 lbs

Correct Answer: 2¾ lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Mallards are one of the larger duck species, weighing on average 2¾ lbs.

What is the average weight of a Pintail?

  • 1 lb
  • 1¾ lbs
  • 2 lbs
  • 2¾ lbs

Correct Answer: 1¾ lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Pintails are a bit smaller than Mallards, weighing on average 1¾ lbs.

What is the average weight of a Gadwall?

  • 1 lb
  • 1½ lbs
  • 2 lbs
  • 2¾ lbs

Correct Answer: 2 lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Gadwalls are a medium-sized duck, weighing on average 2 lbs.

What is the average weight of a Wigeon?

  • 1 lb
  • 1½ lbs
  • 1¾ lbs
  • 2 lbs

Correct Answer: 1¾ lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Wigeons are a smaller duck species, weighing on average 1¾ lbs.

What is the average weight of a Shoveler?

  • 1 lb
  • 1½ lbs
  • 2 lbs
  • 2¾ lbs

Correct Answer: 1½ lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Shovelers are a medium-sized duck with a distinctive spoon-shaped bill, weighing on average 1½ lbs.

What is the average weight of a Blue-winged Teal?

  • 10 oz
  • 12 oz
  • 14 oz
  • 15 oz

Correct Answer: 15 oz

Correct Answer Explanation: Blue-winged Teal are small ducks, weighing on average 15 oz.

What is the average weight of a Green-winged Teal?

  • 10 oz
  • 12 oz
  • 14 oz
  • 15 oz

Correct Answer: 14 oz

Correct Answer Explanation: Green-winged Teal are one of the smallest duck species, weighing on average 14 oz.

What is the average weight of a Wood Duck?

  • 1 lb
  • 1½ lbs
  • 2 lbs
  • 2¾ lbs

Correct Answer: 1½ lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Wood Ducks are a medium-sized duck, weighing on average 1½ lbs.

What is the average weight of a Canvasback?

  • 2 lbs
  • 2½ lbs
  • 3 lbs
  • 3½ lbs

Correct Answer: 3 lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Canvasbacks are one of the largest diving ducks, weighing on average 3 lbs.

What is the average weight of a Redhead?

  • 2 lbs
  • 2½ lbs
  • 3 lbs
  • 3½ lbs

Correct Answer: 2½ lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Redheads are a large diving duck, weighing on average 2½ lbs.

What is the average weight of a Ringneck?

  • 2 lbs
  • 2½ lbs
  • 3 lbs
  • 3½ lbs

Correct Answer: 2½ lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Ringnecks are a medium-sized duck, weighing on average 2½ lbs.

What is the average weight of a Greater Scaup?

  • 1 lb
  • 1½ lbs
  • 2 lbs
  • 2¾ lbs

Correct Answer: 2 lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Greater Scaup are a medium-sized diving duck, weighing on average 2 lbs.

What is the average weight of a Lesser Scaup?

  • 1 lb
  • 1½ lbs
  • 1-7/8 lbs
  • 2 lbs

Correct Answer: 1-7/8 lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Lesser Scaup are smaller than Greater Scaup, weighing on average 1-7/8 lbs.

What is the average weight of a Common Goldeneye?

  • 1 lb
  • 1½ lbs
  • 2 lbs
  • 2¼ lbs

Correct Answer: 2¼ lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Common Goldeneyes are a medium-sized diving duck, weighing on average 2¼ lbs.

What is the average weight of a Barrow’s Goldeneye?

  • 1 lb
  • 1½ lbs
  • 2 lbs
  • 2¾ lbs

Correct Answer: 2¾ lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Barrow’s Goldeneyes are a larger species of Goldeneye, weighing on average 2¾ lbs.

What is the average weight of a Bufflehead?

  • 1 lb
  • 1½ lbs
  • 2 lbs
  • 2¾ lbs

Correct Answer: 1 lb

Correct Answer Explanation: Buffleheads are small diving ducks, weighing on average 1 lb.

What is the average weight of a Ruddy?

  • 1 lb
  • 1-1/3 lbs
  • 1½ lbs
  • 2 lbs

Correct Answer: 1-1/3 lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Ruddies are a small diving duck, weighing on average 1-1/3 lbs.

What is the average weight of a Red-breasted Merganser?

  • 1 lb
  • 1½ lbs
  • 2 lbs
  • 2½ lbs

Correct Answer: 2½ lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Red-breasted Mergansers are a medium-sized diving duck, weighing on average 2½ lbs.

What is the average weight of a Common Merganser?

  • 1 lb
  • 1½ lbs
  • 2 lbs
  • 2½ lbs

Correct Answer: 2½ lbs

Correct Answer Explanation: Common Mergansers are a large diving duck, weighing on average 2½ lbs.

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Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

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