108 - How to Actually Identify Ducks

Buzz Blossom & Squeak — Be a Neighborhood Naturalist · Apr 10, 2026 · 24m

Duck season is here — and ducks are confusing. If you've ever stood at the edge of a pond going completely blank while trying to name what you're looking at, this episode is for you. I'm launching a new series called Birds That Fool You, and we're starting with ducks: how to build a reliable ID strategy and how to sort out the most commonly confused pairs.

Color Is a Trap — Shape Is Reliable

Most people lead with color when identifying ducks. But color changes by season, by sex, and by lighting conditions. Shape doesn't lie — a duck's head and body silhouette stays consistent year-round, in…