Wading Birds and Waterfowl
Wetlands are paradise for birds! More species of birds use wetlands than almost any other habitat.
Great blue herons are the tall, patient hunters of the wetland. Standing perfectly still on their long legs in shallow water, they wait for a fish to swim by, then — STRIKE! — their long neck shoots forward and their sharp beak spears the fish. Herons can stand motionless for hours.
Ducks, geese, and swans (called waterfowl) swim, dive, and dabble in wetland waters. Mallard ducks tip upside down with their tails in the air to reach plants on the bottom — this is called dabbling! Diving ducks like canvasbacks go completely underwater to find food.
Red-winged blackbirds are one of the most common wetland birds. Males have glossy black feathers with bright red and yellow patches on their shoulders. They perch on cattails and sing 'conk-la-ree!' to attract females and defend their territory.
Ospreys are fish-eating hawks that hover high above the water, then plunge feet-first to catch fish with their sharp talons. They build huge stick nests on top of poles and dead trees near wetlands.
**Birdwatcher Tip:** Wetlands are the best places for birdwatching! Bring binoculars and a bird guide, find a quiet spot, and you might see dozens of species in a single visit.