Water Birds

  • A mother duck with brown feathers swimming in water with four ducklings with yellow and brown down feathers swimming nearby.

    Ducks

    Ducks are versatile, medium-sized waterfowl with broad, flat bills and webbed feet. They are strong swimmers, often seen in ponds, lakes, and rivers, feeding on plants, insects, and small fish. Ducks are social and adaptable.

  • A black swan with a red bill swimming on calm water, creating a reflection of itself.

    Swans

    Swans are large, graceful waterbirds known for their long necks, white or black plumage, and strong bonds with mates. They glide elegantly on lakes and rivers, feeding on aquatic plants and small creatures.

  • A heron standing in shallow water near the shore.

    Heron

    Herons are tall, elegant wading birds with long legs, necks, and sharp bills. They hunt fish and amphibians in shallow waters, standing still before striking. They thrive in wetlands, rivers, and coastal areas.

  • A bird, likely an oystercatcher, standing on a rock by the water, preening its black and white feathers.

    Cormorants

    Cormorants are sleek, aquatic birds known for their dark feathers, long necks, and excellent diving skills. They hunt fish underwater, often seen drying their wings after diving, and inhabit coastal and inland waters.

  • A heron standing on a rocky shoreline with blue ocean water in the background.

    Darters

    Darters are sleek water birds found around the Central Coast’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands. They dive underwater to catch fish and often spread their wings to dry in the sun. Darters rely on healthy waterways to survive, so protecting these habitats helps keep their food and nesting areas safe.

  • A white heron with a long, curved neck and orange beak standing near water.

    Egrets

    Egrets are graceful white water birds found around the Central Coast’s wetlands, rivers, and lakes. They hunt for fish and insects in shallow water. Egrets are sensitive to changes in their environment, so it’s important to protect their feeding and nesting areas by keeping our waterways clean and undisturbed.