diving duck
Plunging aquatic bird
A diving duck is a duck that feeds by diving beneath the water's surface, as opposed to dabbling ducks that tip forward to feed in shallow water.
Diving ducks have legs set far back on their bodies for underwater propulsion: Canvasbacks, scaups, and mergansers are all diving ducks.
They typically inhabit deeper lakes and coastal waters.
North American diving waterfowl
Plunge beneath liquid
- plungeSudden steep descent
- underwaterBelow the surface
- preyAnimal being hunted
- fishGilled aquatic vertebrate
mollusks · crustaceans · aquatic plants · depth · propulsion · surface · emergence · catch
Waterlogged land ecosystem
- marshGrassy waterlogged lowland
- lakeEnclosed body of freshwater
- bayPartially enclosed water
- estuaryTidal mixing zone
coastal · pond · river · reservoir · open water · brackish · freshwater · saltwater
Gathering in crowds
- raftingTraveling on buoyant platform
- courtship displayRitual to attract partners
- preeningGrooming with vanity
- loafingPassing time idly
roosting · territorial · pair bonding · nesting · brood · dabbling · skittering · molting
Established bird migration path
- overwinteringEnduring the cold months
- stopoverBrief halt mid-journey
- navigationDetermining position and course
- southwardToward the equator's direction
northward · staging area · migratory route · arrival · departure · long-distance · timing
Gas-exchange lung cavities
- waterproofingMaking impervious to moisture
- oil glandOrgan secreting sebum
- streamlinedMade smooth and efficient
- nictitating membraneTransparent inner eyelid
feathers · weight distribution · preening · down · webbed feet · keel
canvasback
North American diving waterfowl
submerge
Plunge beneath liquid
- plungeSudden steep descent
- underwaterBelow the surface
- preyAnimal being hunted
fish · mollusks · crustaceans · aquatic plants · depth · propulsion · surface · emergence · catch · swallow
wetland
Waterlogged land ecosystem
estuary · coastal · pond · river · reservoir · open water · brackish · freshwater · saltwater · tundra
flocking
Gathering in crowds
- raftingTraveling on buoyant platform
- courtship displayRitual to attract partners
- preeningGrooming with vanity
loafing · roosting · territorial · pair bonding · nesting · brood · dabbling · skittering · molting · gregarious
flyway
Established bird migration path
- overwinteringEnduring the cold months
- stopoverBrief halt mid-journey
- navigationDetermining position and course
southward · northward · staging area · migratory route · arrival · departure · long-distance · timing
air sacs
Gas-exchange lung cavities
- waterproofingMaking impervious to moisture
- oil glandOrgan secreting sebum
- streamlinedMade smooth and efficient
nictitating membrane · feathers · weight distribution · preening · down · webbed feet · keel