Waterfowl Relations

One fairly common sight is to see Canada Geese and Mallards swimming around together. Generally speaking, my impression is that most waterfowl coexist together fairly well - though I've heard that Mute Swans may be an exception - and these two very common species are a good example. My impression is that waterfowl gather together primarily for safety; extra eyes means they're less susceptible to a surprise attack.

In the winter I'll see fairly big flocks or Ring-necked Ducks with some American Black Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, and/or Buffleheads mixed in too. And last fall I saw a grebe (neither a duck nor a goose but with a similar lifestyle) that seemed to like to hang with whatever ducks happened to be around.

I found an article on their interactions, though it talks about their differences as much as their interactions. 

March 9, 2021 at the Raritan River Greenway


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