Vermont is situated in the New England region in the Northeastern United States. It experiences cold, snowy winters, and warm, humid summers, and is characterized by its forested landscapes. Many rivers flow through Vermont, such as the Connecticut River and Saint-Francois River, and there are numerous lakes including Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog.
This variety of habitats provides ample opportunities for water birds, with many species of heron and duck being found in the state.
Vermont 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 is a large wading bird that attains lengths of 97 – 137 cm (3 ft 2 in – 4 ft 6 in) and has a wingspan of 167 – 201 cm (5 ft 6 in – 6 ft 7 in). This bird has an elongated, slender build with long legs and a long, sinuous neck. Its plumage is blue-gray, with a black stripe running from above the eye into the crest. The bill is yellow.
Ardea herodias can be found throughout Vermont and breeds within the state, although its nesting success may be decreased by factors such as human disturbance and an increase in numbers of double-crested cormorants, which compete with the herons for resources. This bird is protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
2) Double-crested cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)
- Native to North America
- Order: Suliformes
- Family: Phalacrocoracidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The double-crested cormorant attains lengths of 70 – 90 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 11 in) with a wingspan of 114 – 123 cm (3 ft 9 in – 4 ft). This bird stands tall with an upright posture and a hooked bill. Its coloration is brown-black with a mottled pattern across the tops of the wings. The face is yellow, its eyes are blue, and during breeding season a plume of black or white feathers develops above the eye.
Populations of Nannopterum auritum in Vermont increased by 400% between 1976 and 2007. This enormous rise in numbers has presented conservation concerns for other species, so attempts to control populations are being made, such as shooting individuals and egg oiling.
3) 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 grows to 66 – 91 cm (2 ft 2 in – 3 ft) in length. It has a distinctive profile, with a round head and sharp, dagger-shaped bill, and its wingspan is 104 – 131 cm (3 ft 5 in – 4 ft 4 in). The back is decorated with a black and white chequerboard pattern, while the chest is striped black and white, and the head and neck are plain black.
There are around 100 breeding pairs of common loons in Vermont, and during the summer months, there are between 300 – 500 adults in the state. This species is relatively flexible in terms of habitat and will reside in forested areas, areas of open water, and areas with some level of human disturbance.
4) Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
- Native to North, Central, and South America, Eurasia, and North Africa
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The mallard has a very wide distribution and is a well-known bird around the world. It reaches lengths of 50 – 65 cm (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 2 in) and has a wingspan of 82 – 95 cm (2 ft 8 in – 3 ft 1 in). Individuals have long bodies and rounded heads and are sexually dimorphic. Males have a gray body with a brown breast and black tail, and the head is iridescent green with a yellow bill. In contrast, the female is mottled brown with an orange-brown bill.
Anas platyrhynchos migrates to Vermont in early spring and remains there to breed, although some individuals also overwinter in the state. This species is flexible in terms of habitat, occupying marshes, grain fields, wooded swamps, ponds, or rivers. Mallard ducks consume vegetation such as duckweed, smartweed, and waste corn.
5) Canada goose (Branta canadensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Canada goose is a heavily built waterbird with a long neck. It grows to 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 a brown body, tan-colored breast, white underneath the tail, and a black head and neck with a white chinstrap.
Between 1976 and 2007, populations of the Canada goose increased by 1600%, with the greatest increase being seen in the northern Green Mountains. Unfortunately, this has resulted in several detrimental effects on the ecosystem; flocks of geese can cause damage to vegetation, and their excrement can contaminate water bodies.
6) Wood duck (Aix sponsa)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Aix sponsa is a distinctive-looking duck, with a crested head, slender neck, and long tail. Individuals attain lengths of 47 – 54 cm (1 ft 7 in – 1 ft 9 in) and have a wingspan of 66 – 73 cm (2 ft 2 in – 2 ft 5 in). Female wood ducks are gray-brown in color with a gray head and a white circle around the eye. Males have a white underside, chestnut breast, tan sides, and an iridescent head with white stripes across the face.
The wood duck can be found throughout Vermont, where it requires areas with shallow waters and cavities in which to construct its nests. The diet of this species includes acorns, seeds, aquatic plants, and invertebrates.
7) 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, collapsible crest which gives the head a rounded shape, and the bill is small and narrow. Female hooded mergansers have a gray-brown body with a cinnamon-brown head, while males display a black back, chestnut sides, white chest, and black head and neck with a large white patch on the crest.
Lophodytes cucullatus is widespread in Vermont and is usually seen in the state between March and September. It utilizes ponds and swamps with plenty of standing dead timber for breeding, preferring quieter areas with an abundance of prey such as crayfish, fish, and aquatic insects. Hooded mergansers forage by diving and swimming underwater.
8) Common merganser (Mergus merganser)
- Native to North America and Eurasia
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common merganser is a long-bodied duck with a slender, hooked bill. It grows to lengths of 54 – 71 cm (1 ft 9 in – 2 ft 4 in) and has a wingspan of 86 cm (2 ft 10 in). The female has a gray body with a cinnamon-colored head, adorned with a shaggy crest. In contrast, the male is predominantly white, with a black back and dark iridescent green head. Both sexes have a bright red bill.
Mergus merganser is abundant in Vermont and can be found throughout the state. Individuals tend to congregate in areas where there are plenty of fish and will dive repeatedly if they discover a shoal. If they see others feeding, they may run on the water to reach them and join the frenzy!
9) American wigeon (Mareca americana)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American wigeon is a medium-sized duck, attaining a length of 42 – 59 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 11 in). It has a wingspan of 84 cm (2 ft 9 in) and is compactly built with a rounded head. The female has warm brown plumage with a grayish head and a dark patch around the eye. Males have a cinnamon-colored body, black tail, a gray head and neck with a white cap, and an iridescent green band running through the eye.
Mareca americana is seen in Vermont during spring and fall migration – this species rarely breeds or overwinters in the state. It is typically seen in the Champlain Valley. American wigeons feed on pondweeds, muskgrass, and waterweeds, as well as seeds and waste grain.
10) American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American bittern is more compactly built than most members of Ardeidae, with a thickset body and stout neck. It is around 60 – 85 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 10 in) in length and has a wingspan of 92 cm (3 ft). The coloration of this bird is brown, buff, and white, with a strongly streaked pattern.
Botaurus lentiginosus can be found throughout Vermont but is most abundant in the Champlain Valley and the northern Vermont Piedmont. Individuals occupy lakes and marshes, preferring areas with tall emergent vegetation near open water. American bitterns are classified as vulnerable in Vermont, with threats to this species including habitat degradation, siltation, and pollution.
11) Green heron (Butorides virescens)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Butorides virescens is a small heron, growing to lengths of just 41 – 46 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 6 in) with a wingspan of 64 – 68 cm (2 ft 1 in – 2 ft 3 in). Compared to most members of Ardeidae, this species has short legs and a short neck. Its plumage is maroon on the underside and green across the back, wings, and top of the head.
Populations of the green heron in Vermont have declined over recent years, but the greatest number of individuals can be seen in the Champlain Valley. Interestingly, observations of the preening behavior of this bird have found that individuals will spread their wings and look up at them from underneath – this is thought to be an additional defense against ectoparasites, which the bird will peck off if it spots them.
12) 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, stockily built bird that has an almost juvenile appearance. Growing to 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 bird has a very short tail and a short thick bill. The plumage is plain brown, being slightly darker above and paler on the underside. The crown and nape of the neck are especially dark, and the throat is black. This species earns its name due to it having a pale bill with a black band around it throughout the breeding season.
Podilymbus podiceps is primarily found in the northwest and northeast of Vermont, where it occupies ponds, lakes, and marshes. Individuals often select areas with dense emergent vegetation, tending to avoid expanses of open water.
13) Northern pintail (Anas acuta)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern pintail is a very elegant bird; it has a slender build with a thin neck, and a long, pointed tail. The length of this species is around 51 – 76 cm (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 6 in) and it has a wingspan of 86 cm (2 ft 10 in). Females have mottled brown plumage with a plain brown head, while males display a gray body, white breast, and a chocolate brown head and neck. The secondary wing feathers are green in males and bronze in females.
Populations of Anas acuta are very sparse in Vermont, with sightings occurring only in the Champlain Valley. This species is reported to prefer open areas with few trees and shallow, slow-moving waters, where it consumes a diet of seeds and insects.
14) Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The bufflehead is a small duck that grows to around 32 – 40 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 4 in) in length with a wingspan of 55 cm (1 ft 10 in). This bird is compactly built with a short neck and rounded head, and in flight, it can be seen to have pointed wings. The female displays gray-brown plumage with a white patch on the cheek, while the male is white with a black back and an iridescent green and purple head, with a white patch wrapping around the back of it.
Bucephala albeola is not thought to breed in Vermont but is an occasional summer and winter visitor to the state. This species forages underwater, usually diving in search of food, although it can very occasionally be seen partially submerged while searching. Individuals feed predominantly on crustaceans and mollusks, but will also consume aquatic insects.
15) Green-winged teal (Anas carolinensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Anas carolinensis is a small duck that reaches lengths of just 31 – 39 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 3 in) with a wingspan of 52 – 59 cm (1 ft 8 in – 1 ft 11 in). Females are mottled brown with a yellow-white streak in the tail, whereas males are gray with a chestnut head and a green stripe running through the eye.
Breeding populations of the green-winged teal have declined in Vermont, and the species is considered critically imperiled in the state. Despite this, populations are increasing overall, and the species is not designated as a conservation concern by the IUCN.
16) Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
- Native to Africa
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The cattle egret is small and stockily built for a heron, with a rounder body than most and a shorter, thicker neck. This bird 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). Its plumage is entirely white, although during the breeding season, golden plumes develop on the head, back, and chest. The bill and legs are yellow.
Bubulcus ibis is rare in Vermont and is only seen very occasionally. With this species tending to roam, it is possible that sightings have been of birds that are simply passing through the state. Cattle egrets hunt by walking slowly, running forward, and stabbing prey with their beak when they spot it. Common prey items include insects, crayfish, earthworms, snakes, and nestling birds.
17) 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 is very tall, reaching 94 – 104 cm (3 ft 1 in – 3 ft 5 in) in length with a wingspan of 131 – 145 cm (4 ft 4 in – 4 ft 9 in). This bird is very slender and has a small body atop long, thin legs. Its neck is elongated and S-shaped. The plumage is entirely white, the legs black, and the bill yellow.
Ardea alba can be seen in the Champlain Valley in Vermont, and occasional breeding pairs have been observed at Missisquoi NWR. This species performs elaborate courtship displays, including behaviors such as stretching the head and neck back, dropping the neck and snapping the mandibles together, and bowing with a branch or stick in its mouth.
18) Snow goose (Anser caerulescens)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The snow goose attains lengths of 69 – 83 cm (2 ft 3 in – 2 ft 9 in) and has a wingspan of 138 cm (4 ft 6 in). This bird has a heavy body and a short, thick neck. There are two different color morphs in this species; the white morph has white plumage with black wingtips, while the blue morph is dark brown with a white face and white underneath the tail.
Anser caerulescens passes through Vermont on its migratory journeys in spring and fall. The number of birds passing through has increased over recent years, such that their migration now presents a threat to ecosystem health. In Vermont, people with a permit can hunt snow geese, in an effort to reduce the impact they have on the local environment.
19) 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 that reaches lengths of 56 – 66 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 2 in) and has a wingspan of 100 cm (3 ft 3 in). The plumage of this bird is entirely white, and its legs are black with striking yellow feet. There is a patch of yellow skin on the face, at the base of the bill, which is black.
Egretta thula tends to be seen in Vermont during the summer and fall, after the breeding season has ended. Individuals occupy marshes, swamps, and ponds, with studies finding that they prefer areas of open water over those that are heavily vegetated. This species consumes a diet of fish, insects, and crustaceans.
20) Ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Laridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The ring-billed gull attains lengths of 43 – 54 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 9 in) and has a wingspan of 105 – 117 cm (3 ft 5 in – 3 ft 10 in). In flight, this bird can be seen to have long, slender wings. Its plumage is gray above and white below, with black wingtips. The bill has a dark band around the tip, hence the name of this species.
Populations of Larus delawarensis have increased in Vermont, particularly in Champlain Valley. Individuals are versatile in their foraging and will follow plows as well as scavenge on human refuse. Egg oiling has been used in nests around Champlain Lake in an attempt to control the reproduction of ring-billed gulls.
21) Black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The black-crowned night heron is stoutly built with a large head and thick legs. Its neck and legs are shorter than those of other herons, and it grows to 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). The plumage of this bird is pale gray, with a black back and crown.
In Vermont, this species can be seen only in Champlain Valley, and its populations have declined over recent years. Threats to Nycticorax nycticorax include the drainage of wetlands, use of pesticides, and avian influenza. The nesting behavior of these birds may also be impacted by human disturbance.
22) Ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The ring-necked duck reaches lengths of 39 – 46 cm (1 ft 3 in – 1 ft 6 in) and has a wingspan of 62 – 63 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 1 in). This species has a relatively short body, with a slender neck and large, peaked head. The female has a warm brown body with a grayish head and displays some white around the base of the bill and the eye. In contrast, the male is black with gray sides.
Aythya collaris has increased in numbers in Vermont in recent years, with the majority of populations being found in the northern Vermont Piedmont and the Northeastern Highlands. The best time to see this bird in the state is during spring or fall migration.
23) Lesser yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The lesser yellowlegs is a small shorebird that attains lengths of 23 – 27 cm (9.1 – 10.6 in) and has a wingspan of 59 – 64 cm (1 ft 11 in – 2 ft 1 in). This bird has an elegant build, with long legs and a long neck, and its black bill is short and straight. The plumage is gray-brown, typically being lighter on the underside with darker mottling across the back.
Tringa flavipes occupies marshes and mudflats, where it feeds on insects, crustaceans, and small fish, usually taking them from the water’s surface. This species can become aggressive when it is feeding with conspecifics, although this behavior lessens when it is surrounded by other species.
24) Least sandpiper (Calidris minutilla)
- Native to North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The least sandpiper is a tiny bird, growing to just 13 – 15 cm (5.1 – 5.9 in) in length. Its short, pointed wings span 27 – 28 cm (10.6 – 11 in), and it has a rounded body atop slender legs. The coloration of this species is mottled golden brown above and white below, with yellowish legs and a black bill.
Calidris minutilla can typically be found on mudflats or grassy marshes. Although its conservation status is that of least concern, populations are decreasing, with threats including habitat degradation due to climate change.
25) Wilson’s snipe (Gallinago delicata)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Wilson’s snipe is a stockily built shorebird with a very long, straight bill. This species grows to 27 – 32 cm (10.6 in – 1 ft 1 in) in length and has a wingspan of 41 – 44 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 5 in). Its plumage is patterned with buff and brown stripes, and there are darker strips of color running along the crown.
Gallinago delicata can be found throughout Vermont, although it is more abundant in the north of the state. The diet of this species varies throughout the year, with more earthworms being consumed in the fall, whereas aquatic insects make up much of the spring diet. Females also consume more crustaceans during spring than males.
26) Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common goldeneye reaches lengths of 40 – 51 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 8 in) and has a wingspan of 77 – 83 cm (2 ft 6 in – 2 ft 9 in). This duck has quite a small body and a large head with a flattened peak. Females display a gray body and brown head, while males are white with a black back, and an iridescent green head with a small white oval on the face.
In Vermont, Bucephala clangula can be found in Champlain Valley, the Northeastern Highlands, and the northern Green Mountains, although populations have declined over recent years. Individuals can be seen throughout the year in the state, but this species may be limited by a lack of suitable habitat, due to it being a cavity nester.
27) American black duck (Anas rubripes)
- Native to eastern North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American black duck is around 54 – 59 cm (1 ft 9 in – 1 ft 11 in) in length and has a wingspan of 88 – 95 cm (2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 1 in). This duck has a fairly long body, with a thick neck and large head. Its coloration is dark mottled brown, although females are usually slightly paler than males, and in flight, the secondary wing feathers can be seen to be blue.
Anas rubripes has a scattered distribution across Vermont, where it occupies shallow waters and forested wetlands, preferring areas with submerged vegetation. This species is commonly hunted in Vermont, with the best time generally being from mid-November through to December.
28) Gadwall (Mareca strepera)
- Native to North America and Europe
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The gadwall attains lengths of 46 – 57 cm (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 10 in), with a wingspan of 84 cm (2 ft 9 in). This bird has a very round body with a small head. The female is mottled brown, while the male has a gray-brown body with a brown head and black tail.
Mareca strepera migrates through Vermont and is occasionally seen breeding in Champlain Valley. This species is critically imperiled in the state – populations may be threatened by pollution, avian influenza, and hunting.
29) Red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator)
- Native to North America and Europe
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The red-breasted merganser is an unusual-looking bird, with a long body, shaggy crest, and long, serrated bill. This duck grows to lengths of 51 – 64 cm (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 1 in) and has a wingspan of 66 – 74 cm (2 ft 2 in – 2 ft 5 in). Female red-breasted mergansers have a gray body with a warm brown head, while males have gray sides, a black back and head, a brown breast, and white neck. The bill of both sexes is bright red.
In Vermont, this species can be found in Champlain Valley, the Northern Vermont Piedmont, and the southern Green Mountains. The best time to spot red-breasted mergansers in the state is spring and fall – they prefer marshes or well-vegetated areas, where they consume a diet of crustaceans, insects, and fish.
So many beautiful water birds in Vermont! Has anyone spotted any from our list?