List of Common Water Birds in Wyoming (Identification, Range, & Pictures)

Wyoming is situated in the Mountain West subregion of the western United States. Home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness, this state boasts an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The climate is cool, with warm, humid summers, and cold, snowy winters.

Wyoming plays host to a great variety of water bird species. Its largest lakes are Yellowstone Lake, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and Jackson Lake, but there are numerous other smaller lakes and wetlands throughout the state, which provide habitat for ducks, geese, gulls, and even pelicans!

1) 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 extremely large bird, reaching lengths of 130 – 160 cm (4 ft 3 in – 5 ft 3 in), with a wingspan of 240 – 300 cm (7 ft 10 in – 9 ft 10 in). Its body is thick, and its tail is short and square in shape. This bird’s bill is huge; flattened on top with a large throat sac on the underside. The plumage is white, with black feathers on the wings that are visible when the bird is in flight, while the bill and legs are bright orange-yellow in color.

This species resides in lakes, marshes, and salt bays, where it feeds on fish, crayfish, and salamanders. The bill is specifically adapted for this purpose; it can detect organisms by touch, and the pouch underneath is used to scoop up prey. A horn also develops on the top of the bill during breeding season.

2) Common loon (Gavia immer)

• Native to the northern US and Canada
• Order: Gaviiformes
• Family: Gaviidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The common loon is a diving bird that reaches 70 – 90 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 11 in) in length, with a wingspan of 117 cm (3 ft 10 in). This bird has a long, heavy body that sits low in the water, and has a long, pointed black bill. The plumage varies depending on the time of year; during summer, individuals have black and white spotted backs, a black and white striped chest, and a black neck and head. Outside of this season, from September to March, the back is plain grey, and the throat is white. The bill also becomes gray in color.

The habitat preferences of this species include wooded lakes and tundra ponds: it is particularly keen on large lakes within coniferous forests. This species is often a solitary feeder, consuming a diet of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and insects, as well as feeding on plant material. Occasional large aggregations of common loons have been observed – although the reason for these flocks forming is unknown.

3) American coot (Fulica americana)

• Native to the Nearctic region
• Order: Gruiformes
• Family: Rallidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The American coot is small, reaching just 38 cm (1 ft 3 in) in length, with a wingspan of 58 – 71 cm (1 ft 11 in – 2 ft 4 in). This species is distinctive and easy to identify: small and plump, its plumage is entirely black, with a white bill that extends into a patch of white on the forehead. The eyes are red, and there is a very subtle tinge of red at the top of the forehead.

Fulica americana is highly adaptable and resides in a variety of habitats, including ponds, lakes, marshes, fields, and parks. Despite its small size, the American coot is highly territorial and can be very aggressive to its conspecifics. The diet of this species typically consists of invertebrates, including their cocoons, eggs, and larvae, and plant material, although individuals have also been seen to take eggs of other birds.

4) Eurasian teal (Anas crecca)

• Native to Eurosiberia
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The Eurasian teal is also known as the green-winged teal, due to the presence of green wing patches that can be seen when the bird is in flight. This bird reaches 34 – 43 cm (13 in – 1 ft 5 in) in length and has a wingspan of 53 – 59 cm (1 ft 9 in – 1 ft 11 in). The body of the male is gray, with a white line on the shoulder, and a mottled breast – the male also has a chestnut brown head with an iridescent green stripe extending back from the eye. Females are browner in color with a yellowish streak along the tail.

Anas crecca is widespread in Wyoming and is typically found on marshes and rivers. Populations flock together and produce fast-moving, twisting displays – this is likely an adaptation to reduce predation by birds such as the peregrine falcon. The Eurasian teal feeds predominantly on plant material, but will also consume insects, crustaceans, and tadpoles.

5) American wigeon (Mareca americana)

• Native to North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The American wigeon has a round head and short neck, making it fairly easy to distinguish from other species of duck. This bird reaches 42 – 59 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 11 in) in length and has a wingspan of 76 – 91 cm (2 ft 6 in – 2 ft 12 in). Breeding males display striking coloration: a cinnamon brown body, with white patches on the rump, a black tail, a gray-brown mottled neck and head, with an iridescent stripe running back from the eye, and a white crown. The coloration of females and non-breeding males is paler gray-brown with a dark ring around the eye. The bill is white with a black tip in both sexes.

This species can be seen on marshes, lakes, and in fields in Wyoming, where it feeds on aquatic plants such as pondweed, algae, and wild celery, or terrestrial plant material such as grass shoots and seeds. Research has found that breeding females consume more animal matter, such as aquatic insects.

6) Wood duck (Aix sponsa)

• Native to North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The wood duck reaches 47 – 54 cm (1 ft 7 in – 1 ft 9 in) in length, with a wingspan of 71 – 99 cm (2 ft 4 in – 3 ft 3 in). Females are gray-brown in color, with a dark blue patch on the wing and a white teardrop shape around the eye. Males have a dark back, tan sides, and a chestnut breast. Their head is adorned with an iridescent green crest – a white line runs along this from the bill, while another runs from the back of the eye. The male has a red eye and bright red bill.

This species resides in wooded rivers, swamps, and ponds, where it consumes a diet of seeds, aquatic plants, insects, and crustaceans. Previously, wood ducks declined due to hunting and the removal of large trees from their habitat – however, it has made a remarkable comeback. This may in part be attributed to the provision of nest boxes and the protection of the species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

7) Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)

• Native to North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The bufflehead is a compact duck, with a characteristic wide, flattened bill. This bird reaches 32 – 40 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 4 in) in length, with a wingspan of 60 cm (1 ft 12 in). Female buffleheads are gray-brown in color, and have a dark back and head, and a white patch on the cheek. Males have a white body, black back, and a dark, iridescent head with a white patch extending around the back of it.

Bucephala albeola resides on ponds, lakes, and rivers within mixed coniferous or deciduous forests. A diving species, it often forages in synchronization with conspecifics, consuming a diet of aquatic insects. This species nests in tree cavities and is highly territorial – there are several theories as to why this might be, such as maintaining paternity, protecting the brood, and ensuring the female has sufficient food within easy reach of the nest.

8) Hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)

• Native to North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The hooded merganser reaches 40 – 49 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 7 in) in length, with a wingspan of 116 cm (3 ft 10 in). The head of this bird is a unique shape; with a small, slender bill and a large, fan-shaped crest. The coloration of the female is brown, with a slightly darker back and a cinnamon-brown crest. In contrast, the male has a black back, chestnut sides, white breast, and a black neck and head, with the crest displaying a large white patch.

Hooded mergansers can be found on wooded lakes, ponds, and rivers, although during breeding season they appear to spend more time on slow-moving rivers and marshes. The diet of the adult merganser consists of small fishes, crayfish, and insects. Females lay 10 – 12 eggs and raise them alone – the male is not involved in parental care.

9) American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)

• Native to North America
• Order: Pelecaniformes
• Family: Ardeidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The American bittern is a species of heron that reaches lengths of 61 – 86 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 10 in) and has a wingspan of 92 cm (3 ft). Compared to most herons, this species has relatively short legs and quite a stout, hunched posture. Its plumage is streaked brown and white, rendering it extremely well camouflaged against vegetation.

This species can be found in marshes and reedy lakes, where it stands or slowly wades in search of prey, which it spears with its sharp bill. Common prey species include fishes, frogs, crayfish, salamanders, and snakes. Although the conservation status of the American bittern is that of least concern, populations are declining. Protection of wetlands from pollution and siltation has been proposed as a suitable conservation strategy.

10) Northern pintail (Anas acuta)

• Native to North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The northern pintail’s name is due to its long, pointed tail, which is especially lengthy in breeding males. The overall length of this bird is 24 – 28 cm (9 – 11 in) and it has a wingspan of 90 cm (2 ft 11 in). Females have mottled brown plumage across the back, chest, and wings, with a pale brown face and dark bill. In contrast, males have gray-brown sides, dark wing patches, a white breast extending into a slender line traveling up each side of the neck, a deep brown head, and a paler gray bill.

This species resides in marshes, prairies, ponds, and lakes, and although it is widespread, populations are decreasing – reasons for this decline may include harvest, predation, disease, and loss of nests. The hunting of this species in Wyoming is regulated, and there is a limit to how many individuals can be taken per person.

11) Common merganser (Mergus merganser)

• Native to Europe, Asia, and North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The common merganser reaches 53 – 69 cm (1 ft 9 in – 2 ft 3 in) in length, with a wingspan of 94 cm (3 ft 1 in). This bird has a long body and slender wings, and its bill is narrow with a slightly hooked end. Females have a gray-brown mottled body, with a pale breast. Their head is cinnamon-colored with a shaggy crest, and the bill is red with a black tip. Males have a white body with a black back, and an iridescent green head; their bill is also red with a black tip.

This species can be found on wooded lakes and rivers – it is rarely seen in marshes or muddy areas. Individuals flock together in small groups and feed on fishes, mussels, shrimp, and salamanders. The size of the flock may influence the feeding efficiency of these birds; large groups may reduce an individual’s ability to find food – this is perhaps the reason why flocks tend to be on the smaller size.

12) Snow goose (Anser caerulescens)

• Native to North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The snow goose is around 70 cm (2 ft 4 in) in length, with a wingspan of 150 cm (4 ft 11 in). This goose has a stout body, long neck, and a heavy bill. There are two color morphs: white and blue – it has been suggested that in evolutionary history these were two separate species, however, they are able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring, so are now considered as one. The white morph has entirely white plumage with black wingtips, while the blue morph has a dark gray body and a white head. Both morphs have a dark marking on the bill that gives the impression of the bird smiling.

This species can be found in fields, ponds, and marshes, where it forms large flocks and feeds on seeds, leaves, roots, and berries. Snow geese populations are increasing, which raises concerns about overgrazing, resulting in habitat degradation. Management strategies have been suggested to manage this overabundance, such as monitoring populations and, in some areas, hunting them.

13) Pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)

• Native to North America
• Order: Elpistostegalia
• Family: Podicipedidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The pied-billed grebe reaches 30 – 38 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 3 in) in length and has a wingspan of 40 – 60 cm (1 ft 4 in – 2 ft). This bird has a stout body and a very short tail – so short that it gives the appearance of having no tail at all! The plumage is brown, with the back being slightly darker, and the breast being paler in color. The bill is yellow-brown, except for during breeding season, when it turns pale gray with a black vertical band around it.

This species resides in ponds, lakes, and marshes, tending to gravitate more toward marshy areas during breeding season. Nest site selection in the pied-billed grebe is dependent on water depth, emergent vegetation, proximity to open water, and distance from shore – all of which could influence the risk of predation and thus the chances of egg and young survival.

14) White-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi)

• Native to North, Central, and South America
• Order: Pelecaniformes
• Family: Threskiornithidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The white-faced ibis reaches lengths of 46 – 56 cm (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 10 in) and has a wingspan of 90 cm (2 ft 11 in). These birds have iridescent plumage that is maroon in color, except for on the wings, which are greenish-bronze. The legs and face are pink, the eyes are red, and there is a white band on the face extending around the back of the eye. The bill is long and curves downwards.

Plegadis chihi occupies marshes, meadows, and fields. Research into foraging site selection in this species found that individuals chose to forage closer to vegetation, likely due to a greater abundance of prey (such as macroinvertebrates) being found there. Populations of white-faced ibis previously suffered declines due to contamination of insect prey with DDT; however this chemical has since been banned, and populations are now on the rise.

15) Gadwall (Mareca strepera)

• Native to Europe, Asia, and North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The gadwall is a dabbling duck that reaches 46 – 57 cm (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 10 in) and has a wingspan of 78 – 85 cm (2 ft 7 in – 2 ft 9 in). This species can occasionally be mistaken for a mallard; key features to look out for are a thinner bill, and in flight, a thinner neck and more slender wings. Female gadwalls have mottled brown plumage, and a dark bill with an orange edge, while males are gray-brown, with a dark tail and a black bill. Both sexes have white patches on the wings.

This species resides in lakes, ponds, and marshes, preferring open habitats without much tree cover. Selection of the correct nesting habitat is essential to ensure the survival of gadwall young; they commonly nest in areas with tall emergent vegetation such as cattail and hard-stem bullrush, which are suggested to provide both a visual and a scent barrier from predators. The diet of the gadwall predominantly consists of plant material, but also includes mollusks, crustaceans, and insects.

16) Trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator)

• Native to North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The trumpeter swan is very large, reaching 140 – 160 cm (4 ft 7 in – 5 ft 3 in), with a wingspan of up to 300 cm (9 ft 10 in)! The adult plumage is entirely white, and they have black legs and a black bill, which extends into a patch that reaches the eye. Juveniles are easily distinguishable as they have pink on the bill and grayish feathers.

Populations of the trumpeter swan in Wyoming previously suffered due to hunting, but are now increasing. The best places to look for them are in Yellowstone National Park, and in the Snake, Salt, Green, and Wind River drainages. Freshwater wetlands are essential for this species, and they feed on a variety of aquatic plant material such as pondweed, rushes, wild celery, and arrowleaf.

17) Harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)

• Native to North America, Greenland, Iceland, and eastern Russia
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The harlequin duck is a small vibrant bird, with a rounded head, steep forehead, and small bill. It reaches 36 – 51 cm (1 ft 2 in – 1 ft 8 in) and has a wingspan of 56 – 66 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 2 in). The male duck has slate blue plumage with chestnut-colored sides, and a series of white stripes across the back, chest, and face. The female is gray-brown, with a white face and a small white patch on the cheek.

In Wyoming, the harlequin duck is rare – only seventy breeding pairs reside there. They are most likely to be found in Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks, where they occupy rocky mountain streams, often preferring turbulent waters. Individuals mainly feed on aquatic insects and fish eggs, although have also been found to consume mollusks and mites.

18) Cinnamon teal (Spatula cyanoptera)

• Native to western North and South America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The cinnamon teal is a small dabbling duck, reaching 41 cm (1 ft 4 in) in length, with a wingspan of 64 cm (2 ft 1 in). The bill of this bird is large in comparison to the size of the head and is black in color. Females are mottled brown and are slightly darker across the back and head. Outside of breeding season, males look similar, however, their breeding plumage is a deep cinnamon brown, with a black back and red eyes.

Cinnamon teals do not have a large bill for no reason – they use it to filter plant material, insects, and crustaceans out of the water. Females lay 9 – 12 eggs and take sole charge of incubating them, although the male may remain near her until hatching. An interesting study found that females were more likely to take breaks from newer nests in the morning and evening, whereas with older nests, they were more likely to leave them in the afternoon.

19) Northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata)

• Native to Europe, the Palearctic, and North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The northern shoveler is easily identified by its enormous bill, which reaches 6.4 cm (2.5 in) in length. The total length of this bird is between 44 – 51 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 8 in) and it has a wingspan of around 69 – 84 cm (2 ft 3 in – 2 ft 9 in). Females are mottled brown with a slightly paler chest, and their bill and legs are bright orange. Males have brown sides, a white chest, and a black back, while their head is dark green. The eye of the male is yellow, and his bill is black.

This bird swims with its bill partially submerged, using it to strain plant material and small crustaceans from the water – the bill is specifically adapted for this purpose, with a shovel-shaped tip and a large number of lamellae. However, this method has been suggested to be time-consuming, and during breeding season the female may rely on stored body reserves to sustain herself.

20) Clark’s grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii)

• Native to western North America
• Order: Podicipediformes
• Family: Podicipedidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The Clark’s grebe reaches 55 – 75 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 6 in) in length, with a wingspan of 58 – 64 cm (1 ft 11 in – 2 ft 1 in). This bird is slender, with a long neck and a thin bill. The back is mottled black, with this coloration extending up the back of the neck to the top of the head, while the belly, breast, throat, and face are white. The eyes are red, and the bill is bright yellow.

Clark’s grebes were once considered a variant of the western grebe but have since been designated as a separate species. However, towards the end of the breeding season when mates are in short supply, these two species may hybridize. Aechmophorus clarkii can run on water – this behavior is called ‘rushing’ and is used as a courtship display.

21) American avocet (Recurivrostra americana)

• Native to North America
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Family: Recurvirostridae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The American avocet reaches lengths of between 41 – 51 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 8 in), with a wingspan of 68 – 76 cm (2 ft 3 in – 2 ft 6 in). This bird is slender, with a long neck and exceptionally long legs suited to wading. Its black bill is long, thin, and curves upwards. The breeding plumage of this bird is white, with black markings on the wings and back, and a rusty-colored head – although once the breeding season is over, the head fades to gray.

American avocets have been observed to breed in marshy areas with vegetation such as cattail and great bullrush. Females usually lay four eggs, which are incubated by both parents, although the female typically sits on the nest overnight. The young are precocial and are soon out of the nest finding food, although the parents continue to monitor them.

22) Ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis)

• Native to Canada and the northern US
• 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, with a wingspan of 120 cm (3 ft 11 in). The plumage on the underside of this bird is white, while the tops of the wings and the back are pale gray. The legs and bill are yellow, and there is a black ring around the bill. Outside of breeding season, the head displays brown streaks.

This species is an opportunistic feeder; as well as scavenging, it will steal food off other birds – but has also been observed foraging in wetlands on insects and fish. In areas where the ring-billed gull is abundant, concerns have been raised as to how they affect water quality; their guano carries potentially harmful microorganisms, which can have a particularly negative impact on recreational water bodies.

23) Wilson’s phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor)

• Native to western North America
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Family: Scolopacidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The Wilson’s phalarope is the largest of the phalaropes, reaching 22 – 44 cm (9 in – 1 ft 5 in) in length, with a wingspan of 39 – 43 cm (1 ft 3 in – 1 ft 5 in). This is a slender bird with a thin, pointed bill and slender legs – in flight, its pointed wings can also be seen. In contrast to many wading birds, during the breeding season, it is the female that has more colorful plumage; she has a white underside, a dark back and wings with an iridescent sheen, and a peach-colored patch on the neck. The male has similar patterning but is overall duller in color with a brown back.

This species resides on lakes, marshes, and mudflats, where it feeds on aquatic insects and crustaceans. Female Wilson’s phalaropes compete for males using courtship displays, stretching out their necks and puffing out their feathers. They will also occasionally ‘claim’ a male, and become very territorial around him, attacking other females if they venture too close.

24) Willet (Tringa semipalmata)

• Native to North America
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Family: Scolopacidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The willet is a wading bird that reaches 33 – 41 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 4 in) in length and has a wingspan of 70 cm (2 ft 4 in). This bird has a stocky build, with a thick, straight bill, and long legs. The plumage is mottled gray and brown, with a black and white stripe along each wing which can be seen when the bird is in flight.

Willets can be found on marshes, mudflats, and wet meadows, where they feed on insects and crustaceans, using their long bill to probe in the mud. Individuals have also been observed to wash mud-covered prey items prior to consuming them. This species has to perfect these techniques early in life, as the young are precocial and find all of their food themselves.

25) Greater yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca)

• Native to North, Central, and South America
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Family: Scolopacidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The greater yellowlegs has striking coloration, with a dark back, and dark and white bands across the chest and neck. As the name suggests, the legs are bright yellow, while the bill is long, narrow, and black in color. This species is relatively small, with a length of 29 – 40 cm (11 in – 1 ft 4 in) and a wingspan of 60 cm (1 ft 12 in).

This species can be found on marshes, mudflats, and ponds, where it feeds on insects and fishes such as killifish and minnows. Individuals have also been observed predating on dragonflies, taking advantage of their vulnerability during mating – the greater yellowlegs grabs a mating pair and holds it underwater before consuming it.

26) Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

• Native to North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The common goldeneye ranges in length from 40 – 51 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 8 in) and has a wingspan of 79 cm (2 ft 7 in). This bird has a large head with a small, narrow bill, and its body is streamlined – an adaptation to its diving habits. Male goldeneyes have a black back, white chest, belly, and sides, and a dark head with an iridescent green sheen to it. There is a white patch just behind the bill, and the eye is bright yellow. In contrast, females have mottled grey sides, belly, and chest, with a white collar and a brown head. The bill is black, fading to yellow at the tip, and the eye is also yellow.

This species prefers lakes surrounded by forests, often selecting areas with clear, cold water. During breeding season, the common goldeneye selects areas on the edge of the forest, near the shore, to nest – the female lays 8 – 11 eggs, which she incubates alone and covers with down when she has to leave the nest unattended.

27) Lesser yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)

• Native to North, Central, and South America
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Family: Scolopacidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The lesser yellowlegs ranges in length from 25 – 28 cm (10 – 11 in), with a wingspan of 60 cm (1 ft 12 in). As well as being slightly smaller than its relative, the greater yellowlegs, this species can be distinguished by its shorter, thinner bill, and fewer markings on the flanks. The base color of the lesser yellowlegs is white, with grey streaking across the head, back, and wings. The bill is black, while the legs are bright yellow.

This species occupies marshes, mudflats, and ponds, consuming a diet of insects, fishes, and crustaceans. Although its conservation status is that of least concern, populations of the lesser yellowlegs are declining – threats to these birds include pollution, climate change, and development.

28) Spotted sandpiper (Actitus macularius)

• Native to Canada and the US
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Family: Scolopacidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The spotted sandpiper is a small bird, reaching just 10 – 18 cm (4 – 7 in) in length, with a wingspan of 37 – 40 cm (1 ft 3 in – 1 ft 4 in). This bird has a fairly long tail and a round breast, often having a forward posture. The back is brown, while the breast is white – during breeding season the breast displays dark spots, but these are not present at other times of the year. The bill is orange during breeding, whereas it is more yellow at other times.

Spotted sandpipers have a distinctive movement while walking, where their body bobs up and down. When flying away from a potential threat, this bird stays low down, close to the water, and alternates gliding with flits of its wings. Unlike many wading birds, spotted sandpipers are polyandrous – the older the female is, the more mates, eggs, and fledglings she has.

29) Western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)

• Native to western North America
• Order: Podicipediformes
• Family: Podicipedidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The western grebe is a striking bird, with black plumage across its back, and white plumage on its underside, with a sharp line between the two colors on the neck. The bill is yellow, and the eye is a piercing red. This species is large, reaching 55 – 75 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 6 in) in length, with a wingspan of 79 – 102 cm (2 ft 7 in – 3 ft 4 in).

Western grebes prefer lakes with a mixture of open water and marshy vegetation, where they consume fish, crustaceans, salamanders, and insects. These birds live in colonies all year round; not only does this behavior afford breeding adults some protection for their nests and eggs, but it can also allow for the transfer of information about food sources. Females lay 2 – 4 eggs and the young are precocial, clambering onto their parents’ backs soon after hatching and swiftly leaving the nest.

30) Wilson’s snipe (Gallinago delicata)

• Native to North and Central America
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Family: Scolopacidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The Wilson’s snipe reaches 25 – 27 cm (10 – 11 in) in length and has a wingspan of 44 – 47 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 7 in). The face of this bird is quite distinctive, as the eye is set fairly far back on the head, and the bill is very long and straight. Individuals have short tails and relatively short legs for a wader. The plumage is patterned with brown stripes, with darker stripes present on the head.

Wilson’s snipes are solitary birds that reside in marshes and bogs. The diet of this species consists of a variety of invertebrates and plant material, including aquatic insects, earthworms, and seeds. Females usually lay four eggs and incubate them alone, although once hatched, it is common for each parent to claim half the brood to care for.

31) Ross’s goose (Anser rossii)

• Native to North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The Ross’s goose is fairly small, reaching just 59 – 64 cm (1 ft 11 in – 2 ft 1 in) in length with a wingspan of 113 – 116 cm (3 ft 8 in – 3 ft 10 in). The neck and bill are short, giving this bird a stocky appearance. This species has two color morphs: white and blue. The white morph is much more common and displays white plumage with black wingtips and a pink bill, whereas the rarer blue morph has a dark body and wings with a white face.

Ross’s geese are not particularly common in Wyoming, but can occasionally be seen in Yellowstone National Park, as well as Dry Lake and Big Sandy Reservoir. The preferred habitat of this species in Wyoming includes shallow lakes, marshes, and agricultural land, where it subsists on a diet composed almost entirely of plant material.

32) Black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)

• Native to North America and the Caribbean
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Family: Recurvirostridae
• Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)

Adult black-necked stilts grow to 35 – 39 cm (1 ft 2 in – 1 ft 3 in) in length and have a wingspan of 71 – 75 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 6 in). This bird has very long, pink legs, a relatively long neck, and a straight black bill. The plumage is white on the underside and black above, with the black coloration extending up the back of the neck to the top of the head.

Himantopus mexicanus is an adaptable species, occupying marshes, mudflats, and lakes, as well as taking advantage of artificial habitats such as sewage ponds. Individuals tend to forage in slightly deeper water (usually 10 cm or more) than most wading birds, where there is an abundance of crustaceans, aquatic insects, and tadpoles. Black-necked stilts are likely to bathe after feeding, wading into deeper water and submerging the head, while simultaneously shaking their wings.

33) Lesser scaup (Aythya affinis)

• Native to North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The lesser scaup is a diving duck that reaches 35 – 49 cm (1 ft 2 in – 1 ft 7 in) in length and has a wingspan of 69 – 76 cm (2 ft 3 in – 2 ft 6 in). The plumage of breeding males consists of white sides, white wings with fine black bars across them, a black tail, and a black chest and head with an iridescent sheen. Females are brown with paler sides and a darker head and have a white patch next to the bill. A key feature to look out for when identifying this species is the presence of a flat patch at the back of the head.

Being a diving duck, the lesser scaup is typically found in areas with deeper waters such as lakes and ponds. Diving is an energetically costly activity, but this species relies on it to obtain food such as mollusks, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and plant material. A fascinating study into eye color in the lesser scaup found that the color of the iris changes as the individual ages, shifting from olive-brown to yellow.

34) Redhead (Aythya americana)

• Native to North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The redhead grows to lengths of 37 cm (1 ft 3 in) and has a wingspan of 84 cm (2 ft 9 in). As the name suggests, male redheads display a reddish-brown head, blending into a black breast. The body is gray with a black tail, while the bill is blue-gray with a black tip. Females are overall duller in coloration; they are usually brown with a slightly paler face and a dark gray bill.

This species is not especially common in Wyoming, although can be found in Albany, Weston, and Bighorn counties. Redheads are extreme nest parasites, with some females never incubating any of their own eggs (while others may incubate some and are themselves susceptible to nest parasitism). In the event that a female does care for her own eggs, she incubates them alone.

35) Cackling goose (Branta hutchinsii)

• Native to North America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The cackling goose is small, reaching 63 – 65 cm (2 ft 1 in – 2 ft 2 in) in length, with a wingspan of 108 – 111 cm (3 ft 7 in – 3 ft 8 in). The body is brown in color, while the head and neck are black, displaying a white collar and a white cheek. These birds are very closely related to Canada geese and are often mistaken for them; key distinguishing features to look out for are the short bill, steep forehead, and stout neck.

Adult cackling geese feed on a variety of plant material such as seeds and stems. The diet of juveniles has been investigated – it was found that arrowgrass was very important to young goslings, but that they later transitioned to consuming more berries and seeds. Females usually lay 4 – 6 eggs, which she incubates while the male guards her – once hatched, both parents tend to the goslings.

36) Ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)

• Native to North, Central, and South America
• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The ruddy duck has a scoop-shaped bill and a very upright tail, giving it a cartoon-like appearance. Individuals reach 35 – 43 cm (1 ft 2 in – 1 ft 5 in) in length and have a wingspan of 48 cm (1 ft 7 in). Males have brown bodies, black caps, white cheeks, and bright blue bills (although these fade to gray during the winter). In contrast, females are brown with darker plumage on top of the head and a dark gray bill.

This species occupies freshwater marshes, ponds, and lakes, preferring water bodies with surrounding marshy areas. Individuals forage by diving and using their bill to strain organisms from soft mud – they feed on aquatic insects such as midges, crustaceans, and mollusks. Young ruddy ducks are precocial and are able to dive not long after hatching, meaning that while their mother still watches over them, they can obtain all of their food themselves.

37) Forster’s tern (Sterna forsteri)

• Native to North America
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Family: Laridae
• Conservation status: Least concern

The Forster’s tern is a medium-sized tern, reaching 33 – 36 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 2 in) in length, with a wingspan of 78 – 80 cm (2 ft 7 in). This species has a long tail, long, pointed wings, and a long, sharp bill. Breeding adults display white plumage on the underside, gray across the wings and back, a black cap, and an orange bill with a black tip. Outside of breeding season, the coloration is pale gray, with white specks on the cap and a dark gray bill.

Forster’s terns can be found in Wyoming during the summer months, typically being seen on marshes and lakes. Their predominant food source is fish, however, individuals may also consume insects, crustaceans, and frogs – this species hunts by flying close to the water and diving down on prey as it spots them.