Quick Answer
Diver ducks generally prefer freshwater habitats with abundant aquatic vegetation and access to shallow water. However, some species of diver ducks also inhabit brackish and saltwater areas, particularly in coastal regions. Their diet of aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish can be adapted to various water salinity levels.
Habitat Preferences
Diver ducks are known to inhabit a variety of freshwater habitats, including marshes, swamps, and shallow lakes. They often forage in areas with dense aquatic vegetation, such as water lilies, cattails, and bulrushes. In these areas, they can feed on a wide range of aquatic plants, including duckweed, algae, and submerged grasses.
Saltwater Adaptations
Some species of diver ducks, such as the Harlequin Duck and the Pied-billed Grebe, have adapted to inhabit brackish and saltwater coastal regions. These areas often provide an abundance of invertebrates, such as mussels, clams, and snails, which are a staple of their diet. In these environments, diver ducks have developed specialized feeding behaviors, such as diving and foraging at extreme depths, to access these food sources.
Migration Patterns
Diver ducks are known to migrate between freshwater and saltwater habitats in search of food and suitable breeding grounds. For example, the Red-breasted Merganser and the Common Merganser migrate from their summer habitats in freshwater lakes and rivers to their winter habitats in coastal brackish and saltwater areas. During these migrations, they often stop over at estuaries and bays to feed on abundant food sources.
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