Species, Age and Sex Identification of Ducks Using Wing Plumage

by

Samuel M. Carney
Washington, D.C. 1992
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service


"Procedures have been developed over the past 30 years for managing the take of waterfowl by hunters. Wings of ducks contributed voluntarily to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by hunters are examined each year by experts. This procedure involves the determination of species, sex, and age of ducks through an examination of these detached wings. Many persons skilled at examining wings of ducks have retired in recent years. We became concerned that these skills might be lost to future generations if not properly documented. Documenting such skills is difficult. Subtle differences in feather color and feather texture are used to distinguish young ducks from adult ducks and males from females. Printed words and pictures have their limitations, but we hope this publication captures the technique and preserves it."

-- John F. Turner, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.


This resource is based on the following source:
Carney, Samuel M.  1992.  Species, age and sex identification of ducks using 
     wing plumage.  U. S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
     Service, Washington, D.C.  144pp.
This resource should be cited as:
Carney, Samuel M.  1992.  Species, age and sex identification of ducks using 
     wing plumage.  U. S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
     Service, Washington, D.C.  Jamestown, ND: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
     Home Page.  http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/tools/duckplum/duckplum.htm
     (Version 05DEC97).

Table of Contents

Separation of Species

Individual Species


Copies of the book "Species, Age and Sex Identification of Ducks Using Wing Plumage" are available from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for $23 U.S. The book may be ordered by calling 202-512-1800. The stock order number is 024-010-0695-1.
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