Waterfowl are warm-blooded animals that live on or near water, and include diving ducks and puddle ducks.

Puddle ducks are found primarily on the shallows of lakes, rivers, and freshwater marshes. Puddle ducks prefer to feed on or near the water’s surface. They launch themselves directly upward when taking off.

Diving ducks inhabit large deep lakes and rivers, coastal bays, and inlets. Diving ducks obtain most of their food by diving. They must run across the water to build up speed to take off.

Eclipse refers to the plumage of male birds (drakes) when they lose their bright plumage after breeding and resemble females (hens) for a few weeks. Waterfowl are migratory, flying between states and countries. Migration routes are called flyways and are governed by federal and international law.