Species group · Birds
Dabbling Ducks
WAnimals has 3 species of dabbling duck, all in the family Anatidae.
- 3 species
- 1 family
- 82 countries
- 257 parks
- Weight
- 550 g – 1.4 kg
- Length
- 46 cm – 76 cm
- Lifespan
- 7 – 27 years
Ranges calculated from the entries that record the figure, not from all 3.
All 3 species of dabbling ducks on WAnimals
Each one has its own full entry. This group does not replace them: it brings them together.
Conservation status
No species documented in this group is genuinely at risk according to the IUCN, with the data available today.
See the global conservation statusWhere they live
Recorded in 82 countries. The ones with the most species in the group:
Where to see them
Did you know…
It is the wild ancestor of almost every domestic duck breed in the world.
From Mallard
It can swim the day it hatches, led to the water by its mother.
From Mallard
Its readiness to hybridise with other ducks is a worry because of the genetic dilution of related species.
From Mallard
An unassuming grey duck that steals food from coots and grebes.
From Gadwall
Its epithet strepera means "noisy" in Late Latin.
From Gadwall
Its closest relative is the falcated duck, and both are related to the wigeons: which is why all three were separated from Anas and moved into the genus Mareca.
From Gadwall
Its European population is going two opposite ways: it is falling as a breeder and rising as a winter visitor, a mismatch uncommon among ducks.
From Northern Pintail
It is especially prone to lead poisoning from swallowing lead shot, because it tends to take in large grit stones for grinding seeds.
From Northern Pintail