Waterfowl Feeding on
the Foliage & Seeds
of Coontail
(Ceratophyllum demersum)




Bird Names
(Scientific & Common)

Aix sponsa
(Wood Duck)

Anas acuta
(Northern Pintail)

Anas americana *
(American Wigeon)

Anas clypeata
(Northern Shoveler)

Anas crecca carolinensis
(Green-winged Teal)

Anas discors
(Blue-winged Teal)

Anas platyrhynchos
(Mallard)

Anas rubripes *
(Black Duck)

Anas strepera *
(Gadwall)

Aythya affinis
(Lesser Scaup)

Aythya americana
(Redhead)

Aythya collaris
(Ring-necked Duck)

Aythya marila
(Greater Scaup)

Aythya valisineria
(Canvasback)

Bucephala albeola
(Bufflehead)

Clangula hyemalis *
(Long-tailed Duck)

Oxyura jamaicensis
(Ruddy Duck)

Fulica americana
(Common Coot)



* Coontail comprises 40–72% of the diet of
these ducks in Illinois according to Anderson (1959)

Sources: Martin et al. (1951/1961), Havera (1999),
Bellrose (1942/1976), Anderson (1959)

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