Pennsylvania is situated in the northeast United States, spanning the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions. The state has a humid continental climate – with temperatures varying greatly from one season to the next – and receives around 40 inches of rainfall each year.
The largest lake in Pennsylvania is Lake Erie, followed by Allegheny Reservoir and Pymatuning Lake. There is also an extensive network of rivers, including the Ohio River, Susquehanna River, and Allegheny River. Thus, numerous species of water birds are present in Pennsylvania. Many of them are migrants seen in spring and fall, but some species overwinter or breed in the state as well.
Pennsylvania Water Birds
1) Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The great blue heron reaches lengths of 97 – 137 cm (3 ft 2 in – 4 ft 6 in) and has a gigantic wingspan of 167 – 201 cm (5 ft 6 in – 6 ft 7 in). The plumage of this bird is blue-gray, with darker flight feathers that can be seen when the wings are spread. There is a black bar running from the bill through the eye, and a thick black stripe running from above the eye into the crest. The bill is yellow.
Ardea herodias can be found throughout Pennsylvania, breeding in most areas except for the Appalachian Plateaus province. The typical habitat for this species includes marshes and swamps, where it feeds on fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and insects.
2) Double-crested cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)
- Native to North America
- Order: Suliformes
- Family: Phalacrocoracidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The double-crested cormorant is 70 – 90 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 11 in) in length, with a wingspan of 114 – 123 cm (3 ft 9 in – 4 ft). Its plumage is brown-black and it has an orange-yellow patch on the face. During breeding season, adults develop the additional feature of a double crest with slender black or white feathers.
This species is highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rivers and lakes. Populations of the double-crested cormorant are on the rise, and this has presented concerns; they cause damage to trees and occupy nesting sites that would otherwise be used by endangered species such as the great egret and the black-crowned night heron.
3) Great egret (Ardea alba)
- Native to North, Central, and South America, Asia, Africa, and southern Europe
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The great egret grows to lengths of 94 – 104 cm (3 ft 1 in – 3 ft 5 in) and has a wingspan of 131 – 145 cm (4 ft 4 in – 4 ft 9 in). This bird has an exceptionally long neck atop a slender body, and its plumage is entirely white, with long straggling feathers on the tail. The bill is yellow, while the legs are black.
Although the overall conservation status of Ardea alba is that of least concern, in Pennsylvania it is considered state endangered. There are just two locations in the state in which this species breeds: Kiwanis Lake, York County, and the Susquehanna River’s Wade Island, Dauphin County. It prefers marshes, shores, and mudflats, where it consumes a diet of fish, crustaceans, and amphibians.
4) Green-winged teal (Anas crecca)
- Native to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The green-winged teal is a small duck, reaching just 31 – 39 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 3 in) in length with a wingspan of 52 – 59 cm (1 ft 8 in – 1 ft 11 in). The plumage of females is mottled brown, with a cream or yellow stripe on the tail. In contrast, males have much showier coloration, with a gray body, chestnut head, and shiny green stripe running through the eye to the back of the head. In flight, green secondaries can be seen in both males and females.
Anas crecca resides on marshes and rivers, where it feeds on plant seeds and animal matter such as midge larvae. Research has found that adverse weather conditions, such as high wind, cause elevated stress levels in the green-winged teal – this may cause the birds to move out of an area.
5) Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
- Native to North America, Asia, and Europe
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The mallard reaches 50 – 65 cm (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 2 in) in length and has a wingspan of 82 – 95 cm (2 ft 8 in – 3 ft 1 in). Female mallards are mottled brown in coloration with an orange bill, while males have more striking plumage: a gray body, brown breast, bright green head, and yellow bill.
This species can be seen migrating in February, March, and April in Pennsylvania, where it occupies marshes, wooded swamps, ponds, and rivers. Mallards are omnivorous, feeding on plant material such as seeds, stems, and roots, and animals such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. Research has found that during breeding season, females select areas with high densities of midge larvae. Females also accumulate lipid reserves that they utilize during egg laying and incubation.
6) Green heron (Butorides virescens)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The green heron is a fairly small wading bird, the second smallest of the heron species. It reaches lengths of 41 – 46 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 6 in) and has a wingspan of 64 – 68 cm (2 ft 1 in – 2 ft 3 in). This bird has a deep green back and head, with a chestnut breast and neck. It has a long, pointed, dark gray bill and orange legs.
Butorides virescens can be seen in April and May in Pennsylvania – they rarely winter there. It resides on lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps, where it feeds on small fish such as dace, as well as shrimps and beetles. Green herons are highly intelligent birds and frequently use tools when hunting for prey; they have been shown to lay bait such as a feather or insect in order to tempt fish closer.
7) Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The bufflehead is a small, compact duck that reaches around 32 – 40 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 4 in) in length and has a wingspan of 55 cm (1 ft 10 in). The males are unmistakable, with a pure white body, black back, and a dark, iridescent head with a white patch that wraps around the back of it. Females have a gray body and a dark brown back, neck, and head, with a white patch on the cheek.
This species is a common migrant in Pennsylvania during the spring and fall, where it can be found on lakes, rivers, and ponds, usually utilizing shallower areas with plenty of emergent vegetation. Buffleheads consume a diet of crustaceans and mollusks, including shrimps and snails – they are energetic birds and dive for their prey.
8) Snow goose (Anser caerulescens)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Adult snow geese are 69 – 83 cm (2 ft 3 in – 2 ft 9 in) in length, with a wingspan of 138 cm (4 ft 6 in). This species has two color morphs: the white morph has white plumage with black wingtips, while the blue morph has dark plumage with a white face. Experiments have shown that these geese tend to select mates that are similar in coloration to their parents.
Anser caerulescens winters in Pennsylvania, occupying marshes, grain fields, and ponds. During the winter months, individuals feed on tubers, rhizomes, wheat, and grasses – young goslings may also consume insect larvae, switching to an herbivorous diet as they mature. Research has found that snow geese inject large quantities of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous into water systems via their waste – this can impact on the growth of other flora and fauna in the ecosystem.
9) Common loon (Gavia immer)
- Native to North America
- Order: Gaviiformes
- Family: Gaviidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common loon is a large diving bird that attains lengths of 66 – 91 cm (2 ft 2 in – 3 ft) and has a wingspan of 104 – 131 cm (3 ft 5 in – 4 ft 4 in). This bird has a long body and a distinctive, dagger-shaped black bill, which it uses to spear its prey. The summer plumage of common loons is extraordinary, with black and white spotting across the back, black and white stripes on the chest, and a black head and neck with a piercing red eye. In winter individuals transition to plainer gray coloration.
Gavia immer resides on wooded lakes and ponds on its migration through Pennsylvania – there has been some speculation as to whether individuals migrate with their mate, as it often arrives at its destination already paired. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to draw this conclusion.
10) Black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The black-crowed night heron is a small member of Ardeidae, reaching just 58 – 66 cm (1 ft 11 in – 2 ft 2 in) in length, with a wingspan of 115 – 118 cm (3 ft 9 in – 3 ft 10 in). This bird has pale gray plumage, with slightly darker wings and a black back and crown. The bill is black, the legs yellow, and the eyes orange.
This species resides in marshes, where it consumes fish, crustaceans, snails, and insects. Remarkably, the black-crowned night heron has also been observed feeding on the eggs and chicks of common terns – this usually takes place nocturnally, with the heron being lured by the calls of the young. The black-crowned night heron is listed as state endangered in Pennsylvania.
11) Tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The tundra swan is large, attaining lengths of 120 – 147 cm (3 ft 11 in – 4 ft 10 in). It has a wingspan of 168 cm (5 ft 6 in) and has a very long, slender neck. The plumage of this bird is completely white, and it has black legs and a black bill, which can have a yellow patch at the base.
Cygnus columbianus can be seen in Pennsylvania in spring and fall when it is on its migratory journeys. Some individuals may also winter in the state, although this is not common. This species resides on lakes and rivers, and in flooded fields – studies have shown that individuals prefer to forage in areas with a high abundance of sago pondweed.
12) Common merganser (Mergus merganser)
- Native to Europe, northern and central Palearctic, and North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common merganser grows to 54 – 71 cm (1 ft 9 in – 2 ft 4 in) in length and has a wingspan of 86 cm (2 ft 10 in). This duck has a long body and slender wings, and its bill is narrow with a slightly downcurved tip. In females, the plumage is gray across the back and wings, paler on the chest, and chestnut on the head, which is adorned with a shaggy crest. In contrast, males have a white body, black back, and an iridescent green head with a red bill.
Mergus merganser resides on wooded lakes or rivers, where it dives in search of fish. In addition, this species consumes mussels, shrimp, and occasional plant material – after swallowing its prey, the common merganser has been observed to rear up and flap its wings, presumably to aid in swallowing.
13) Canada goose (Branta canadensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Canada goose is moderately large, reaching 76 – 110 cm (2 ft 6 in – 3 ft 7 in) in length with a wingspan of 127 – 170 cm (4 ft 2 in – 5 ft 7 in). This bird has brown plumage across the back and wings, a tan chest, and a black head and neck with a prominent white chinstrap. It has a large body, and the neck is long and slender.
In Pennsylvania, Branta canadensis is a common migrant from February through to early May. In some areas, they can be considered a pest due to the mess they create and the possibility of them showing aggressive behavior toward people. Unfortunately for humans, these birds have proven difficult to deter!
14) Pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Podicipediformes
- Family: Podicipedidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The pied-billed grebe is a small bird, reaching just 30 – 38 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 3 in) in length with a wingspan of 45 – 62 cm (1 ft 6 in – 2 ft). This species has a round body with a short neck and a very short tail, giving it a compact appearance. The plumage is brown, usually appearing darker across the top half of the bird. During breeding season, the throat turns black, and the bill becomes pale gray with a dark band around it.
This species resides in ponds, lakes, and marshes, tending to prefer areas with deep water and thick vegetation in which it can conceal its nest. The pied-billed grebe is considered vulnerable in Pennsylvania – populations are susceptible to declines due to habitat degradation.
15) American coot (Fulica americana)
- Native to the Nearctic region
- Order: Gruiformes
- Family: Rallidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
American coots are not commonly seen breeding in Pennsylvania, however they do pass through on their migratory journeys. This bird has a very stocky body and reaches lengths of 39 – 43 cm (1 ft 3 in – 1 ft 5 in), with a wingspan of 58 – 64 cm (1 ft 11 in – 2 ft 1 in). Its plumage is dark gray or black in color, and it has a distinctive bright white bill that extends up into a white forehead. There may also be a red patch on the front of the head.
Fulica americana can be found in ponds, lakes, or marshes, where it feeds predominantly on plant material – although they have also been reported to consume insects, tadpoles, and small fish. This species displays highly sophisticated social behavior, with various postures being used to maintain territories, and different calls being used during courtship.
16) Mute swan (Cygnus olor)
- Native to Europe, the Palearctic, and North Africa
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The mute swan is very large, reaching 127 – 152 cm (4 ft 2 in – 5 ft) in length, with a wingspan of 208 – 238 cm (6 ft 10 in – 7 ft 10 in). Its plumage is pure white, and the bill is orange. At the base of the bill is a round, black appendage – this is larger in males than in females, enabling them to be distinguished from one another.
Cygnus olor can be seen nesting in Pennsylvania, usually at the edges of lakes or ponds. This species feeds on aquatic vegetation such as coontail, pondweed, and muskgrass, a habit that can cause great damage to the ecosystem. As a non-native species, it also competes with other birds for resources and may impact their populations.
17) Snowy egret (Egretta thula)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The snowy egret grows to 56 – 66 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 2 in) in length and has a wingspan of 100 cm (3 ft 3 in). As the name suggests, this bird’s plumage is entirely white. It has black legs with bright yellow feet, a black bill, and a yellow face.
Egretta thula can be seen in Pennsylvania in April, July, August, and September. Its preferred habitat includes ponds, marshes, and swamps, where it consumes a diet of fish, insects, and crustaceans such as grass shrimp. While foraging, the snowy egret will vibrate its bill in the water to attract prey.
18) Wood duck (Aix sponsa)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The wood duck has a very striking appearance. It reaches 47 – 54 cm (1 ft 7 in – 1 ft 9 in) in length, with a wingspan of 66 – 73 cm (2 ft 2 in – 2 ft 5 in), and has a prominent crest. Females are gray-brown with darker backs and paler chests, and a white circle around the eye. Males have a more complex coloration, with a white underside, tan sides, chestnut breast and neck, and a green iridescent head. There are several crisp white lines across the face, and the bill is bright red.
In Pennsylvania, Aix sponsa can be seen breeding throughout the summer and is also a common migrant in March, April, September, and October. There have been local declines of this species within the state, possibly due to predation by raccoons or hunting by humans. Despite these losses in Pennsylvania, wood duck populations as a whole are increasing.
19) Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
- Native to Africa
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The cattle egret has a compact build when compared with other members of Ardeidae. It is small, reaching just 46 – 56 cm (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 10 in), and has a wingspan of 88 – 96 cm (2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 2 in). The plumage of this bird is entirely white, however during the breeding season it develops long golden feathers on the back, chest, and head. The bill and legs are bright yellow.
This species is quite a rare visitor to Pennsylvania, although it used to be common. It can be found on marshes or farms, often associated with cattle – hence its name. Cattle egrets consume a varied diet of insects, spiders, crustaceans, mollusks, reptiles, and even small mammals.
20) American wigeon (Mareca americana)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American wigeon reaches 42 – 59 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 11 in) in length and has a wingspan of 84 cm (2 ft 9 in). Females have brown plumage, with a brown-gray head and a dark patch around the eye, while males have a reddish-brown body and a mottled brown neck and head with a white cap, and an iridescent green stripe running back from the eye. Both males and females have pale bills with dark tips.
This species resides on lakes and marshes, where it feeds on aquatic vegetation and insects. Although its conservation status is that of least concern, populations of American wigeon are declining – possibly due to habitat degradation and pollution.
21) Hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The hooded merganser is a small duck, reaching just 40 – 49 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 7 in) in length, with a wingspan of 60 – 66 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 2 in). This bird has a large crest that gives the head a very rounded appearance, while its bill is rather thin. Males have chestnut-colored sides, a black back, and a white chest. The head is also black, while the crest is white. In contrast, females are gray-brown, with a cinnamon-colored head.
Hooded mergansers breed in Pennsylvania, and their range in the state is expanding. Typical habitat for this species includes wooded lakes, ponds, or rivers, where it nests in tree cavities – it will also use nest boxes in areas where these have been provided.
22) American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American bittern is a species of heron that reaches 60 – 85 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 9 in) and has a wingspan of 92 cm (3 ft). This bird has short legs and a thick neck, and its plumage is patterned with a series of brown, buff, and white stripes. This color combination provides fantastic camouflage against the reeds among which this species resides.
Botaurus lentiginosus feeds predominantly on fish, although may also tackle frogs, crayfish, salamanders, and even dragonflies! In Pennsylvania, American bitterns are listed as state endangered – they can, however, be seen breeding in Crawford County. The female lays 3 – 5 eggs and rears the young alone.
23) Northern pintail (Anas acuta)
- Native to North America, Europe, and Asia
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern pintail got its name due to its extremely long, pointed tail, which is especially prominent in breeding males. This bird is between 51 – 76 cm (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 6 in) in length, with a wingspan of 86 cm (2 ft 10 in), and has a slender build. Outside of breeding season, males and females look very similar, with mottled brown and white plumage, a tan-colored face, and a dark bill. However, during breeding season the male develops a grayish back, clean white breast, and chocolate-colored head.
In Pennsylvania, Anas acuta has been reported to nest in Crawford County and the Tinicum wildlife refuge near Philadelphia. This species occupies marshes, prairies, and ponds, where it feeds on plant material such as seeds and roots, as well as insects and crustaceans. Populations of the northern pintail are declining; possibly due to harvesting, disease, and habitat degradation.
24) Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
- Native to North, Central, and South America, Europe, and North Africa
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Pandionidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The osprey is a slenderly built hawk with an enormous wingspan – between 150 – 180 cm (4 ft 11 in – 5 ft 11 in)! This bird reaches lengths of 54 – 58 cm (1 ft 9 in – 1 ft 11 in) and has a large, hooked bill as well as huge talons used for capturing prey. Its plumage is dark brown above, and white below, with a white head that displays a brown stripe running through a yellow eye.
Despite previously being rare due to the overuse of insecticides, the osprey is now widespread in Pennsylvania. It is always found near water, relying on rivers and lakes to supply its diet of fish – typically species such as crappie or mullet. The foraging success of the osprey is heavily weather-dependent – cloudy conditions drastically reduce the number of fish an individual catches.
25) Gadwall (Mareca strepera)
- Native to North America, Europe, and Asia
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The gadwall is a medium-sized duck with a large head – it reaches 46 – 57 cm (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 10 in) and has a wingspan of 84 cm (2 ft 9 in). Females have a brown and buff mottled patterning and a dark bill with an orange edge. Males are gray-brown in color, with a black tail and a darker head and bill. Both males and females have a white patch on the wing.
In Pennsylvania, Mareca strepera is most commonly seen in October and November, and can also be seen breeding in Crawford and Butler counties. This species is generally seen in marshes, ponds, and lakes, preferring areas with plenty of aquatic vegetation, but minimal emergent vegetation. Individuals feed on plant material, mollusks, and crustaceans.
26) American black duck (Anas rubripes)
- Native to eastern North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American black duck reaches lengths of 54 – 59 cm (1 ft 9 in – 1 ft 11 in) and has a wingspan of 88 – 95 cm (2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 1 in). This bird has a fairly thickset build, with a large head and stout yellow bill (although this is slightly duller in females). Despite its name, the plumage of this bird is actually very dark brown, with a paler head. When in flight, the white underside of the wing can be viewed, as well as the purple secondary wing feathers.
A handful of American black ducks remain in Pennsylvania all year round, however, most just overwinter there. This species occupies natural pools and shrub wetlands, where it consumes a variety of plant matter and invertebrates, such as grass shrimp, snails, cordgrass seeds, and wigeon grass.
27) Redhead (Aythya americana)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The redhead has a rounded head and large bill, giving it a cartoonish appearance. It reaches 42 – 54 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 75 – 79 cm (2 ft 6 in – 2 ft 7 in). The plumage of the female is plain brown, with a slightly paler throat, while the male has a gray body, black chest, and cinnamon-colored head. In both sexes, the bill is gray with a black tip.
This species resides in lakes and ponds. It usually requires water deep enough for diving, although may be seen in shallower areas, and prefers little to no emergent vegetation. Redheads are nest parasites, laying their eggs in other species’ nests and leaving the other bird to care for them.
28) Belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
- Native to North America
- Order: Coraciiformes
- Family: Alcedinidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The belted kingfisher is 28 – 35 cm (11 in – 1 ft 2 in) in length, with a wingspan of 48 – 58 cm (1 ft 7 in – 1 ft 11 in). It has a short tail, shaggy crest, and long, pointed bill. The plumage is blue-gray across the back, wings, and head, with a blue-gray band around the breast. The neck and underside are white in color, and females have a rust-colored band across the belly.
Megaceryle alcyon is widespread in Pennsylvania and is usually found along relatively undisturbed waterways – their territories are often concentrated around stream riffles, which are good areas for catching fish. During breeding season, this species requires steep, sandy banks in which to construct its nest.
29) Least sandpiper (Calidris minutilla)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The least sandpiper is a small wading bird that reaches 13 – 15 cm (5.1 – 5.9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 27 – 28 cm (10.6 – 11 in). This bird has a rounded body with small, pointed wings, while its yellow legs are fairly long. The plumage is white on the underside and brown across the back, wings, and head, with some paler mottling.
This species can be found on marshes and mudflats – interestingly, research has found that in the microhabitat shorebirds such as the least sandpiper occupy, water depth correlates with tarsal length. Individuals consume polychaete and oligochaete worms.
30) Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Accipitridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The bald eagle is a very large raptor, attaining lengths of 71 – 96 cm (2 ft 4 in – 3 ft 2 in), with a wingspan of 204 cm (6 ft 8 in). This bird has a heavy body, enormous wings, and a fanned tail when in flight. The plumage on the body is dark brown, while the tail and head are white – the yellow bill is hooked, and the eye is a piercing yellow.
Haliaeetus leucocephalus is protected in Pennsylvania under the Game and Wildlife Code. It was once endangered in the state but made an incredible comeback, and now there are many successful breeding pairs present. This species can be seen over rivers and lakes, where it consumes a diet of fish, birds, and occasionally mammals.
31) Ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The ring-necked duck has a long neck and large head. It reaches lengths of 39 – 46 cm (1 ft 3 in – 1 ft 6 in) and has a wingspan of 63 cm (2 ft 1 in). The male has bold coloration, with pale gray sides, a black back, neck, and head, and a yellow eye. The female is brown in color, with a grayish face and a white ring around the eye. The bill of both sexes is dark gray, with a bright white ring and a black tip.
This species is typically seen as a migrant in Pennsylvania in spring and fall, although some individuals do overwinter there. Its preferred habitat is wooded lakes or ponds, or slow-flowing rivers, where it feeds on plant material and invertebrates such as earthworms, leeches, shrimp, and dragonfly nymphs.
32) American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrohynchos)
- Native to North America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Pelecanidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American white pelican is not commonly seen in Pennsylvania, however, occasional sightings do occur. This bird is huge, reaching lengths of 127 – 165 cm (4 ft 2 in – 5 ft 5 in) with a wingspan of 244 – 290 cm (8 ft – 9 ft 6 in). Its plumage is white, with black feathers on the wings, and it has yellow legs. The bill is unmistakable: it is very long, with a flexible pouch on the underside, and is yellow in color. During breeding season, adults develop a fleshy horn on the top of the bill.
This species resides by lakes and marshes, where it consumes crayfish, fish, and salamanders – the ratio of these in the diet varies depending on prey availability. It forages by scooping up its prey in its pouch. American white pelicans often forage nocturnally and rely on their sense of touch for locating prey.
33) Ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The ruddy duck ranges in length from 35 – 43 cm (1 ft 2 in – 1 ft 5 in) and has a wingspan of 56 – 62 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft). This duck has a distinctive profile: it has a long tail that points upwards, a large head, and an enormous ‘scoop-shaped’ bill. Female ruddy ducks are brown-gray, with a darker brown stripe across the top of the head. Males are dark brown, with a black cap and a white face. During summer, the male has a bright blue bill.
Oxyura jamaicensis is usually seen migrating through Pennsylvania in spring and fall. It resides on freshwater marshes, ponds, and lakes, where it forages by diving or swimming underwater. The ruddy duck is a non-obligate nest parasite, laying eggs in nests of other ruddy ducks or even other species – although some individuals will incubate their own eggs.
34) Canvasback (Aythya valisineria)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Often nicknamed “can”, the canvasback is 48 – 56 cm (1 ft 7 in – 1 ft 10 in) in length and has a wingspan of 79 – 89 cm (2 ft 7 in – 2 ft 11 in). This bird has a stout build, with a thick neck and a large head – the forehead slopes gently, lending it a distinctive shape. Females have pale gray plumage on the body, with a brown chest, neck, and head, while breeding males have a clean white body, black tail and chest, and a chestnut-colored head and neck.
This species is not often seen in Pennsylvania, although it does occasionally pass through on its migratory journeys in spring and fall. It is commonly found on lakes, where it feeds on plant material and invertebrates, such as pondweed and midge larvae. Canvasbacks that are heavier when approaching winter have a greater chance of survival, so consuming plenty of food during the fall is essential.
35) Lesser scaup (Aythya affinis)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The lesser scaup reaches 39 – 46 cm (1 ft 3 in – 1 ft 6 in) in length and has a wingspan of 68 – 78 cm (2 ft 3 in – 2 ft 7 in). This bird is compactly built with a rounded head. Females have brown plumage, with a darker head and paler sides – some females also have a white patch next to the bill. In contrast, the male has white sides, a black and white striped back, black chest, neck and head with an iridescent sheen, and a blue-gray bill.
In Pennsylvania, Aythya affinis can be seen in Presque Isle Bay and on large inland lakes. This species consumes fish, gastropods, amphipods, and chironomids – it dives for its prey, which is energetically costly, but is a technique that can yield greater amounts of food than can be found at the surface.
36) Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
- Native to North America, Europe, and Asia
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common goldeneye is 40 – 51 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 8 in) in length and has a wingspan of 77 – 83 cm (2 ft 6 in – 2 ft 9 in). Males have a white body and chest, which contrasts sharply with the black back, tail, head, and neck. There is a white patch on the male’s cheek. Females have a brown head, while their back and wings are gray, with some white on the chest and neck. The female’s bill has a pale tip.
Bucephala clangula can be seen in Pennsylvania in spring and fall, and some individuals also overwinter on large rivers in the state. The winter diet of this species includes earthworms, wild celery, and pondweeds – macroinvertebrates are typically found at greater densities in shallower waters, so these areas are essential for common goldeneyes.
37) Ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Laridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The ring-billed gull reaches 43 – 54 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 105 – 117 cm (3 ft 5 in – 3 ft 10 in). The plumage is white on the underside, and pale gray across the back and tops of the wings. This bird has a large yellow bill with a black ring around it.
This species occupies lakes and plowed fields. It has a variable diet depending on its location and the season, however, it will commonly feed on insects and fish. As is often the case with gulls, this bird will also consume refuse. It is only within the last century that the ring-billed gull has begun to breed in Pennsylvania – prior to that, it was simply a migratory visitor.
38) Greater scaup (Aythya marila)
- Native to North America and Europe
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The greater scaup is a species of diving duck that reaches lengths of 39 – 56 cm (1 ft 3 in – 1 ft 10 in) and has a wingspan of 72 – 79 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 7 in). The female is brown in color, with a dark brown head and a white patch on the face adjacent to the bill. The male has white sides, a black and white striped back, black tail, and a dark iridescent head and neck. The bill is blue-gray.
Populations of greater scaup are declining, largely due to habitat loss and alteration. They can be seen on lakes and rivers, where they consume a diet consisting predominantly of plant material and mollusks. This species can be used as a biomonitor of heavy metal contamination within habitats.
39) Red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator)
- Native to North America, Europe, and Asia
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The red-breasted merganser has a slender build, with a shaggy crest and a long, thin bill. This bird grows to 51 – 64 cm (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 1 in) in length and has a wingspan of 66 – 74 cm (2 ft 2 in – 2 ft 5 in). The female is brown-gray in coloration, with a darker head and a paler chest. Males are much more striking, with a black back, white wings, gray sides, and a mottled cinnamon chest. The collar is white, while the head is a very dark, iridescent green.
Mergus merganser does not breed in Pennsylvania, however it may be seen passing through on its migratory journeys in spring and fall. It prefers open waters such as large lakes, where it relies on sight to detect prey. Common food sources for the red-breasted merganser include fish, mollusks, crustaceans, insects, and frogs.
40) Long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis)
- Native to North America, Europe, and Asia
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
The long-tailed duck is also known as the ‘oldsquaw’. Due to their very long, pointed tail, males are significantly longer than females, reaching 40 – 47 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 7 in) in length, while females are just 38 – 43 cm (1 ft 3 in – 1 ft 5 in). The wingspan is around 72 cm (2 ft 4 in). Females have brown plumage across the body, with darker wings and a white head with a dark crown. The male’s winter plumage is white, with black wings and tail, a black patch on the chest, and a black patch on the face. The bill is black with a pink tip.
This species is not especially common in Pennsylvania – it may overwinter in the state but is typically seen as a spring or fall migrant. It prefers large, deep lakes, where it may dive down to depths of up to 100 ft in search of crustaceans, mollusks, polychaete worms, and fish eggs. Populations of the long-tailed duck are decreasing due to habitat alteration, invasive species, and pollution.
