Waterfowl found in Texas By Joe Lemmons Edited by Kaci Hatch

Objectives Identify why it is important to properly identify waterfowl Discuss the four areas of waterfowl behavior that assist in identification Identify hunting regulations that are used when hunting waterfowl in Texas.

Identifying Factors (4) I. Flock Patterns a. Waving Lines or Temporary V b. Small Compact Bunches c. Follow the leader II. Silhouettes - a close up view that details variations in head shapes and sizes, length of wings and tails, etc. III. Color Area - close up can give positive ID IV. Sound - not all ducks quack. Some squeal, whistle or grunt.

Puddle ducks Mallard Large duck, 2.5-3lbs , 24-28 inches Chestnut chest, white belly, dark rump Blue spectrum with white tips

Male and Female Mallard

In flight

Black Duck Large 2.5-3lbs Loud quack female low rink male

Pintail 2-2.5lbs Bill bluish with black stripe down middle Voice-whistle

Elongated flight bird

Shoveler Male medium sized 1.25lbs Rich cinnamon body bill spoon shaped, black M. coverts blue Greater coverts white bars

Shoveler Voice- silent or weak “took-took” Flight head low Speculum iridescent green

Wood duck Medium sized eyes red, short bill

Wood ducks Voice- squeal, variety of whistles Head held high large square tail evident

Other puddle ducks Mollted duck Mexican duck Gadwall Green and Blue Teal Tree Duck American coot

CANADA GOOSE AKA Honkers White chin strap Up to 12 pounds

SNOW GOOSE White with black wing tips Blue phase 6 to 7 pounds

WHITE FRONTED GOOSE AKA Specklebelly goose 6 - 61/2 pounds

Hunting Regulations Regulations require that you have an appropriate license to hunt specific waterfowl Appropriate means of hunting have to be used when hunting waterfowl Ex: shotguns mostly are allowed Anything that seems inhumane is prohibited

Objectives Identify why it is important to properly identify waterfowl Discuss the four areas of waterfowl behavior that assist in identification Identify hunting regulations that are used when hunting waterfowl in Texas.