Ducks are a very diverse group of birds comprising of ten or more distinct tribes. Wigeon occur at Martin Mere in internationally important numbers whilst the reserve is nationally important for Teal, Pochard and pintail.
Of all the species of Ducks at Martin Mere, you cannot fail to notice the Mallards. The male or drake, with its green head, white collar, grey back and blue wing patch, uses his bright colours in a courtship diaplay that attracts a new mate every year. The female, which produces the loud quacking noise, is dull brown for camouflage on the nest. The males of most duck species tend to be more colourful then the females.
Ducks have short necks and legs with large webbed feet, they are mostly aquatic, though they roost on land. There are two main groups of ducks - "Dabblers" are surface feeders with long bodies and legs placed centrally under the body. "Divers" have rounded bodies and legs set well back on the body.