Page 27 - Waterfowl

Diverse Waterfowl and Wetlands
Missouri’s wetlands and waterfowl habitats exist in highly altered landscapes and vary greatly geographically. Habitat types include river channels, man-made reservoirs, bottomland hardwood forests, agriculture fields, oxbow lakes, remnant natural wetlands, and restored wetlands. Variations in weather and management capabilities on individual properties from year
to year determine the quality and quantity of waterfowl habitat. Species of waterfowl attracted to the different suites of habitats often vary greatly. Generally, dabbling ducks, such as Mallards, Northern Pintails, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, and Blue-winged Teal are attracted to shallow wetlands, while diving ducks, such as scaup (mostly Lesser Scaup), Ring-necked Ducks, Canvasbacks, and Redheads utilize deeper open- water areas. Canada Geese, Lesser Snow Geese, and White-fronted Geese use shallow wetlands
but also make heavy use of agricultural fields. All types of habitat are necessary to meet the needs
of waterfowl nesting in, migrating through, or wintering in Missouri.
Above: MDC biologists cooperate with other US and Canadian partners to capture and band Canada Geese in the Hudson Bay lowlands of northern Manitoba in 1971.
Courtesy, Glenn D. Chambers.
Below: Canvasback, often referred to as the king of ducks, and other species of diving ducks frequent Missouri’s rivers, reservoirs, and other deep-water habitats in the fall and spring.
Courtesy, Glenn D. Chambers.
Section I Missouri Model 25