South Dakota is situated in the mid-western United States and is very sparsely populated. It is characterized by a rolling landscape, which transitions into the Black Hills National Forest. The state possesses expansive grassland, forest, and wetlands, with numerous large water bodies such as Lake Oahe and Lake Francis Case. South Dakota has a continental climate with cold, dry winters and semi-humid summers.
The eastern side of the state exists within the Prairie Pothole Region, which is largely grassland with many water bodies distributed throughout. This provides the perfect habitat for water birds, which is why many species are only found in the eastern half of South Dakota. An enormous variety of water birds migrate through or reside in the state, including ducks, herons, dippers, and pelicans.
South Dakota Water Birds
1) 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, chunky bird that reaches 30 – 38 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 3 in) in length and has a wingspan of 45 – 62 cm (1 ft 6 in – 2 ft). The bill, which is short and thick, is white with a dark band around it during breeding season, whereas for the rest of the year, it is yellow-brown. The plumage is brown and usually slightly darker above, and the throat is black.
Podilymbus podiceps breeds in South Dakota during the summer months and can be found throughout the state, although it is less common in the west. This species prefers ponds with some cover available in the form of emergent vegetation, typically avoiding very open waters. Individuals can be highly territorial and will chase intruders away from nests.
The diet of the pied-billed grebe includes insects, fishes, and aquatic invertebrates. It has also been observed to eat feathers, which has been suggested to form the ‘rough material’ required to produce pellets – these are used to remove fish bones and other indigestible items.
2) Wood duck (Aix sponsa)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The wood duck is 47 – 54 cm (1 ft 7 in – 1 ft 9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 66 – 73 cm (2 ft 2 in – 2 ft 5 in). This bird has a long tail and a crested head, which may be bobbed when in flight. Female wood ducks are gray-brown in coloration with white speckling on the breast, while males have a striking combination of tan-colored sides, a chestnut breast, white belly, and dark back and head. The head is iridescent and there are white lines across the face.
Aix sponsa breeds across the eastern half of South Dakota where it occupies wooded swamps, rivers, and ponds. Females lay their eggs in tree cavities (or nest boxes where they are provided) and because the young leave the nest soon after hatching, they are reliant on emergent vegetation in which to seek cover.
Wood ducks feed predominantly on plant material, such as seeds, grasses, and acorns. As is to be expected, wood duck ducklings have been found to have accelerated growth rates when consuming a diet that is higher in protein.
3) Great egret (Ardea alba)
- Native to North, Central, and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The great egret is a large wading bird that reaches 94 – 104 cm (3 ft 1 in – 3 ft 5 in) in length and has a wingspan of 131 – 145 cm (4 ft 4 in – 4 ft 9 in). This bird has an elongate, s-shaped neck and very long, slender legs. Its plumage is entirely white, and it has a yellow bill and black legs.
Ardea alba migrates through the eastern half of South Dakota, where it occupies ponds, marshes, and flooded pastures. It is also known to breed in the state. Individuals have been found to prefer foraging in deeper water, where they consume fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects. In some instances, this species may also feed on rodents and small birds.
During breeding season, female great egrets lay 3 – 4 eggs which are incubated by both parents. Both males and females contribute to feeding the young, who remain in the nest for around three weeks and learn to fly at about six weeks of age.
4) Canada goose (Branta canadensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Canada goose attains lengths of 76 – 110 cm (2 ft 6 in – 3 ft 7 in) and has a wingspan of 127 – 170 cm (4 ft 2 in – 5 ft 7 in). This bird has a heavy body and a long neck. Its coloration includes a brown back, buff chest and underside, and a black head and neck with a white throat strap. The bill, which is wide and flattened, is black in color.
Branta canadensis is a permanent resident in South Dakota. This species is very flexible in the habitat it occupies and can be found residing on marshes and lakes, as well as in city parks and ponds. Canada geese can cause significant damage to crops – methods used for reducing this effect in South Dakota include electric fences, feeding stations, and bird scarers.
Canada geese can often be seen flying in a characteristic V formation. This has been proposed to be more energy efficient for the birds, as each (except for the one at the very front) receives some lift from the air currents which are produced by the wings of the bird directly in front of them.
5) Snow goose (Anser caerulescens)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The snow goose is 69 – 83 cm (2 ft 3 in – 2 ft 9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 138 cm (4 ft 6 in). Individuals are heavy-bodied with a long, thick neck and a stout bill. Most snow geese are white morphs, which have white plumage with black wingtips, however, some individuals are blue morphs. Blue morphs display a dark brown body, white face, and a small amount of white underneath the tail.
In South Dakota, Anser caerulescens can often be seen migrating through the state, and there are usually more populations in the east. It is rarely seen in the state during winter. This species is often found in flooded fields, or on shallow lakes and marshes, where it consumes plant material such as roots, shoots, berries, and moss, as well as eggshells.
6) Snowy egret (Egretta thula)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The snowy egret is a medium-sized heron, reaching 56 – 66 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 2 in) in length with a wingspan of 100 cm (3 ft 3 in). This bird has a slender build, with a long neck, small head, and long, thin legs. The plumage is entirely white, with black legs, yellow feet, and a black bill and patch of yellow on the face, which forms a thin outline around the eye.
Egretta thula can be seen migrating through the eastern half of South Dakota and may reside in the northeast in the summer months. It may be found at the margins of lakes or ponds, as well as on marshes – individuals may also forage in rivers or at weirs. Interestingly, research has found that fish are caught more frequently in rivers, but larger fish are obtained at weirs.
Snowy egrets display an unusual foraging technique in which they vibrate their bill in the water. The movement attracts fish, and the bird remains poised and crouched low near the water, ready to strike. Individuals have been found to forage more intensely when there are conspecifics nearby.
7) American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Pelecanidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American white pelican is an enormous waterbird that reaches lengths of 127 – 165 cm (4 ft 2 in – 5 ft 5 in) and has a wingspan of 244 – 290 cm (8 ft – 9 ft 6 in). This bird has a long, strong neck that supports its head and enormous yellow bill. The upper mandible is adorned with a large horny projection, and the lower mandible has a pouch that is used for scooping up food items. The plumage is white with black flight feathers.
During migratory periods in spring and fall, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos can be found throughout the state, and some populations may also breed in the northeast of the state. It resides on lakes, marshes, and rivers, and typically nests on isolated islands. Common prey items include darters, carp, crayfish, and salamanders.
8) Common loon (Gavia immer)
- Native to North America
- Order: Gaviiformes
- Family: Gaviidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common loon is an incredibly striking diving bird. It reaches 66 – 91 cm (2 ft 2 in – 3 ft) in length and has a wingspan of 104 – 131 cm (3 ft 5 in – 4 ft 4 in). The summer plumage of this bird consists of a black and white spotted back, striped chest, and black head and neck with a sharp bill. Through winter, the coloration changes to plain gray with a white throat.
Gavia immer is not especially common in South Dakota; it occasionally migrates through the state but does not breed or overwinter there. This species prefers large, wooded lakes, where it forages on fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals. Common loons have declined over recent years due to habitat degradation, development, and human disturbance.
The common loon can be territorial and aggressive behavior is common, especially in males. Injuries and even fatalities are suffered by these birds, which are likely to fight with greater voracity when resources (such as breeding habitat) are limited.
9) Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The bufflehead is a small, compact duck that reaches just 32 – 40 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 4 in) in length and has a wingspan of 55 cm (1 ft 10 in). Females are plain gray-brown in color, with an oval-shaped white patch on the cheek. Males are much more striking in appearance, with a white body, black back, and iridescent green head with a white patch wrapping around the back of it.
Bucephala albeola can be seen in South Dakota during its spring and fall migrations – it is rarely found in the state during winter. This species prefers smaller ponds and lakes that have surrounding woodland or other vegetative cover. Its diet consists predominantly of insects and crustaceans.
Buffleheads dive for their food and spend a great proportion of their time foraging, typically doing so during daylight hours. Early mornings are their peak feeding times, and while it is less common, some individuals may forage nocturnally.
10) Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
- Native to Africa, Europe, and North and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The cattle egret has a stockier build than most members of Ardeidae, with a short, thick neck. It grows to lengths of 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 is entirely white, although during breeding season golden plumes develop on the back, chest, and head. The legs and bill are yellow.
Bubulcus ibis breeds in the northeast of South Dakota, and while it migrates through other parts of the state, it is not commonly seen elsewhere. This species can be found in open country, on marshes, and farms – its association with cattle may improve foraging efficiency. Large trees and shrubs are required for nesting.
In some areas of South Dakota, cattle egrets nest in mixed heronries with species such as night herons and great egrets. One heronry was estimated to host nearly 6,000 nests, of which around 140 belonged to cattle egrets.
11) Tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The tundra swan is a very large water bird; its body sits low in the water, and it has a very long, slender neck that is often held straight upright. The length of this bird is 120 – 147 cm (3 ft 11 in – 4 ft 10 in) and it has a wingspan is 168 cm (5 ft 6 in). Tundra swans have white plumage, black legs and bill, and a yellow spot where the bill meets the face.
Cygnus columbianus is usually seen as a migrant through the eastern half of South Dakota, with greater numbers found in the northeast. Foraging tundra swans have been found to prefer areas with extensive areas of sago pondweed. This species consumes tubers, seeds, stems, and roots.
Tundra swans may be threatened by habitat degradation, which often arises due to drainage or pollution of wetlands. Hunting of this species is permitted in South Dakota, which may further contribute to declines.
12) American wigeon (Mareca americana)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American wigeon is 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 are warm brown in color, with a gray-brown head and a dark patch around the eye. In contrast, males have a cinnamon-colored body with white patches on the rump, a gray-brown head and neck, a bright white cap, and an iridescent green stripe traveling from the eye, across the face, and down the back of the neck. Both sexes have a pale bill with a dark tip.
Mareca americana is generally seen in South Dakota in the spring and fall, when on its migratory journeys. It is rarely seen in the state during summer and winter. This species resides on large marshes, where it feeds on plant material such as seeds, and animal matter such as aquatic insects.
Although the conservation status of the American wigeon is that of least concern, populations are decreasing. Factors that may be driving this decline include habitat loss, pollution, disease, and invasive species.
13) Hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The hooded merganser is small, 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 distinctive shape; although its body is small, the crest makes the head appear much larger than it is, and the tail is relatively long. Females have gray-brown plumage, with a cinnamon-colored head, while males display chestnut sides, a black back, and white underside. The head of the male is black, with a large white patch on the crest.
In South Dakota, Lophodytes cucullatus is usually seen in the east of the state, either breeding or migrating. It is rarely seen in winter, and sightings are far fewer in the west. The habitat of this species consists of wooded lakes, ponds, and rivers, although it may also be found in more open, marshy areas if nesting opportunities are still available.
During breeding season, female hooded mergansers lay 10 – 12 eggs in a tree cavity. The young are precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching, with the female keeping a close eye on them. The preferred brood habitat has plenty of available food, fairly deep water, and surrounding trees or vegetation.
14) Green-winged teal (Anas carolinensis)
- Native to North and Central America
- 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 female’s plumage is mottled brown, with a yellowish streak along the tail, while the male has a gray-brown body and cinnamon-colored head with an iridescent green stripe running from the eye, down the back of the neck. Both sexes have iridescent green patches on the wings.
Anas carolinensis is not commonly seen in South Dakota in the summer or winter, usually just passing through the state in spring and fall on its migratory journeys. This species occupies marshes, rivers, and bays, where it feeds on plant material as well as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Seeds are a particularly important component of green-winged teals’ diets. Spring migration is a physically demanding event, and seeds contribute proteins and lipids, which help maintain the birds’ body condition throughout their journey.
15) Northern pintail (Anas acuta)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern pintail has an elegant profile, with a slender, curved neck, and a long, pointed tail. This bird reaches 51 – 76 cm (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 6 in) in length and has a wingspan of 86 cm (2 ft 10 in) – when in flight, the wings can be seen to be very narrow. Female northern pintails have mottled brown plumage with a tan-colored face and a dark bill. In contrast, males have a gray body, white breast, and chocolate-colored head and neck. Their secondary flight feathers are iridescent green.
Anas acuta can be seen in South Dakota in spring and fall on its migratory journeys, and some individuals also remain in the state throughout the summer. This species can be found on marshes and shallow lakes, often in areas with plenty of emergent vegetation. The diet of northern pintails varies throughout the year; in summer, they consume predominantly animal matter, whereas in fall a large part of their diet is made up of seeds. In spring, they feed on fresh shoots and roots.
Northern pintail populations are declining – the conservation of prairie wetlands in South Dakota has been highlighted as an area of importance in helping populations recover. Prevention of habitat fragmentation is also essential to keep suitable areas connected.
16) Common merganser (Mergus merganser)
- Native to Europe, Asia, and North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common merganser is a long-bodied duck with pointed wings. It reaches 54 – 71 cm (1 ft 9 in – 2 ft 4 in) in length and has a wingspan of 86 cm (2 ft 10 in). The female has a mottled gray body, with a darker gray back, pale chest, and a cinnamon-colored head with a shaggy crest. Males are white with a black back and a dark, iridescent head. Both sexes have a red bill.
Mergus merganser is most commonly seen migrating through South Dakota. Some winter residents may be seen along the Missouri River, and there are reports of a handful of individuals breeding in the Black Hills. This species prefers wooded lakes and rivers, where it feeds on fish and occasional mussels or salamanders.
During breeding season, the female lays 8 – 11 eggs which she tends alone, remaining with the young for several weeks after they hatch. Common mergansers frequently engage in nest parasitism, in which they lay their eggs in others’ nests.
17) Green heron (Butorides virescens)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The green heron is very small for a member of Ardeidae, reaching just 41 – 46 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 6 in) in length with a wingspan of 64 – 68 cm (2 ft 1 in – 2 ft 3 in). This bird has a short tail and a thick neck, giving it a stocky appearance. The plumage is dark green across the wings, back, and top of the head, and chestnut on the neck and breast. The crown feathers can be raised into a crest.
Butorides virescens is occasionally seen in eastern South Dakota during the summer months. Individuals may be found on semi-permanent ponds and permanent streams, selecting areas with both abundant emergent vegetation and areas of open water. This species mainly feeds on fish, however, it has also been found to consume invertebrates such as beetles and shrimp.
Although the conservation status of the green heron is that of least concern, populations may be threatened by human disturbance, the use of pesticides, and the destruction of habitat. These birds were once hunted because they were thought to be a threat to fish stocks, however this is now uncommon.
18) White-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Threskiornithidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The white-faced ibis has a stout body, long neck, and an enormous, curved bill. It grows to 46 – 56 cm (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 10 in) in length and has a wingspan of 90 – 93 cm (2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 1 in) – the wings are broad and rounded in shape. While non-breeding adults are plain brown, in their breeding plumage individuals display glossy maroon plumage on the chest and underside, and iridescent dark green and bronze wings. There is a white band on the face extending around the back of the eye, and the facial skin and legs are pink, while the bill is paler in coloration.
Plegadis chihi can be seen breeding in northeast South Dakota and may be spotted as a migrant elsewhere in the state. This species forages on shallow marshes, flooded pastures, or irrigated fields, consuming a diet of insects, crustaceans, and earthworms. During the breeding season, females lay 3 – 4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, the young are fed by regurgitation, and they usually leave the nest at around three weeks of age.
19) American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Cinclidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American dipper is a small, chunky bird with a very short tail. It grows to lengths of 14 – 20 cm (5.5 – 7.9 in) and has a wingspan of 23 cm (9.1 in). The plumage is dark gray across the body with brown on the head, and the bill is black and the legs pink. White eyelids can be observed when the bird blinks.
In South Dakota, Cinclus mexicanus can be found in the Black Hills. Although rare, the populations found here are permanent, year-round residents. The preferred habitat for this species is along fast-flowing streams in the mountains, where it dives underwater and pushes stones aside in search of its prey. Its diet consists mainly of aquatic insects, worms, and snails.
Populations of the American dipper in South Dakota are extremely limited, confined to Spearfish and Whitewood creeks – the species is considered threatened in the state. The reproduction of these birds in this area is limited by human disturbance and a very small gene pool.
20) American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American bittern is 60 – 85 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 92 cm (3 ft). This bird has a stout build with shorter legs than most members of Ardeidae and a thick neck. The plumage is streaked with brown, buff, and white, providing individuals with incredible camouflage against emergent vegetation.
Botaurus lentiginosus does breed in South Dakota, although it is not seen especially often in the state. This species is typically found on marshes or reedy lakes, preferring areas with a mixture of open water and tall aquatic plants such as cattails and grasses. It predates on fish, amphibians, crayfish, and aquatic insects.
Populations of the American bittern are declining, possibly due to habitat degradation including pollution, siltation, and conversion to agriculture. Protection of wetland habitats and maintenance of water levels during breeding season have been suggested as potential methods to help this species.
21) Ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The ruddy duck has an unusual, cartoon-like appearance, with a large, scoop-shaped bill, stiff upright tail, and a body that sits low in the water. This bird attains lengths of 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). The body is chestnut brown in color, with a mottled gray underside, and there is a large white patch on the face. The bill is bright blue, and the crown is black.
Oxyura jamaicensis can be observed in South Dakota on its migratory journeys in spring and fall, and some individuals remain in the northeast of the state during the summer months. This species resides on permanent, semi-permanent, and seasonal wetlands with abundant vegetation.
Ruddy ducks feed on vegetation, seeds, insects, and mollusks, which they search for by diving and swimming underwater. These birds use their bill to strain food items from the water, opening and closing the mandibles as they move through the substrate.
22) Redhead (Aythya americana)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The redhead ranges in length from 42 – 54 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 9 in) and has a wingspan of 75 – 79 cm (2 ft 6 in – 2 ft 7 in). This bird has a large bill and a rounded head atop a plump body. Female redheads display plain brown plumage with a pale throat and a white ring around the outside of the eye. It is the male’s coloration that has earned this species its name: the head is dark and cinnamon-colored, while the neck and chest are black, and the body gray.
During the summer months, Aythya americana can be seen in eastern South Dakota. It is less common in the west of the state and is rarely seen in winter. This species occupies lakes and marshes, where it feeds predominantly on plant material such as seeds, leaves, and roots. It may also consume aquatic insects and crustaceans.
Populations of the redhead are increasing, and it has a large range over North America. There are no significant threats to this species and its ecological flexibility means that it can thrive in a variety of environments.
23) Ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Laridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The ring-billed gull grows to 43 – 54 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 9 in) in length and has a slender build. Its wingspan is around 105 – 117 cm (3 ft 5 in – 3 ft 10 in). The plumage is plain gray across the back and tops of the wings, and white on the underside, head, and neck. The wingtips are black, and the bill is yellow with a dark ring around it near the tip.
Larus delawarensis is a very common migrant in South Dakota and frequently breeds in the northeast portion of the state. It resides on lakes, rubbish dumps, and fields, where it is an opportunistic feeder, consuming refuse, fish, insects, earthworms, and rodents. This species can also be seen during the winter months in South Dakota, usually on open water.
24) Cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera)
- Native to North and South America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The cinnamon teal reaches lengths of 35 – 43 cm (1 ft 2 in – 1 ft 5 in) and has a wingspan of 54 – 57 cm (1 ft 9 in – 1 ft 10 in). This bird has a long, wide bill that is vertically compressed. Females and non-breeding males have mottled brown plumage with slightly paler coloration around the face. In contrast, breeding males display bright, rusty-colored plumage with a brown back and white under the wing. The eye of the breeding male is bright red.
Anas cyanoptera is most likely to be found in western South Dakota, although it isn’t especially common. The best times to spot this bird are during spring migration or summer. This species is typically found on marshes or ponds, and when breeding season begins males may become highly territorial, often rushing at intruders.
The female lays 9 – 12 eggs, which she incubates alone. The young are precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching, with the female tending them for several weeks. If threatened by a predator, the female may mimic the appearance of having a broken wing to lure the threat away.
25) Forster’s tern (Sterna forsteri)
- Native to North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Laridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Forster’s tern is a very small seabird with a slender build. It reaches 33 – 36 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 2 in) and has long wings, the span of which may be up to 78 – 80 cm (2 ft 7 in – 2 ft 8 in). The coloration of this bird is simple, with gray plumage above and white below, while the crown is black. The legs and bill are orange, and the bill has a black tip.
Sterna forsteri can be seen in eastern and southern South Dakota during migratory periods and the summer months. This species resides on marshes or lakes, selecting areas deep within emergent vegetation to construct their nests in an effort to avoid predators. The diet of this bird consists mainly of fish but also includes crustaceans and frogs.
Forster’s terns hunt by flying and hovering over the water in search of their prey. Research has found that they twist as they dive down, which is likely a response to the evasive movement of their prey.
26) Ross’s goose (Anser rossii)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Ross’s goose is a smaller relative of the snow goose, with a very similar appearance. It grows to lengths of 59 – 64 cm (1 ft 11 in – 2 ft 1 in) and has a wingspan of 113 – 116 cm (3 ft 8 in – 3 ft 10 in). Most adults display white plumage with black wingtips, although some are blue morphs, with a dark body and white face. These geese lack the grinning patch which can be seen in snow geese.
Anser rossii can be seen migrating through South Dakota in spring and fall, and a handful of individuals may remain throughout the winter. Within the state, they may be found on marshes, ponds, or grain fields, where they feed on grasses, sedges, and seeds. Foraging is usually performed by walking on land or wading in very shallow water in search of food.
Although the conservation status of Ross’s geese is that of least concern, populations may still experience threats such as climate change, which may result in shifting habitats and ecosystem degradation.
