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The Koloa Maoli is the cutest tiny dabbling duck found in Oahu (lucky ducks!) These guys are unique to the islands and are found nowhere else on earth.

The Koloa Maoli are specifically adapted for two rather odd-looking foraging strategies. One of these is for them to tip their body upside down with their front half underwater and back half in the air so it can forage in the layers of mud at the bottom of shallow waters. The other is to skim the surface of the water in a type of filter feeding using their lamellae (comb like "teeth") they filter all the duck-delicious food items like seeds and invertebrates.

These tiny beauties are similar to Mallard but significantly smaller. Most of the current population is a hybridization of the mallard and the Koloa Maoli as they were threatened to extinction and in many places it is rare to find a true pure blood - which is heartbreaking. There are however new rising populations found in Kauai where a very low-level of hybridization has been revealed. This is due mostly to the hard workers in the state and federal wildlife workers along with the dedicated nearby people determined to save this gorgeous and special species.

They even have their own legends!! How many ducks do *you* know that have semi-hero status?

*The Hawaiin Story of Umi*

The Hawaiian duck has its place in the folklore and legends of Hawaii, and is said to have been a guide to Imaikalini, a fierce blind warrior king. When Imaikalini went into battle, the ducks would alert him to the presence of his enemies, quacking to indicate their location. The warrior king would unleash a volley of ten spears, five from each hand, which the Koloa would guide to their target – a deadly battery of such power that it is said that no man could evade their horror.

The Black Bellied Whistling Duck

Yet another sneaky little cavity nester that safely lays its eggs up high in trees or laying boxes.

These beauties are highly social and highly vocal. The adults form long term mating bonds and they tend to be found in large flocks in the South-Eastern U.S., Mexico, and Central/South America. (Bummer! That is nowhere near me - I want 2 +ducklings!)

So cute!! And Fluffy!

These beauties are another threatened species thanks to our kind taking over their habitats..

Harlequin ducks are considered sea ducks but they breed in fast turbulent whitewater alpine streams. Their unique coloring allows them to blend in the fast moving cold waters as they dabble, dip, dive, duck, and dodge the rough currents.

These ducks are monogamous. Young ducks begin their courtship of the ladies during their first winter. By the fourth year their bond is solidified.

Conservation efforts continue as these lovelies are endangered/threatened.

This adorable sweetie is a Long Tailed Duck duckling..

These are medium sized sea ducks which are extremely strong, deep divers who predominantly feed on invertebrates and some plant matter. They can plunge 200+ feet to find their dinner!

These beauties breed in the Arctic Wetlands and winter on coastal marine areas

Plus, don't they look like they are smiling??

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The Madagascar Pochard is one of the most rare ducks in the world! Once thought extinct, these little survivors were rediscovered in 2006 in the wetlands of Madagascar. They medium-size divers have been pushed to almost extinction by habitat loss and has prompted some of the most intensive conservation efforts.

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Get involved! Help these these gorgeous birds if you can!!

Just because they are called the Common Merganser does not mean they are not exceptional beauties!!

These large fish-eatung ducks are cavity dwellers. They are excellent divers most often seen in flocks on open water throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

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This is a conservation success story!!! Populations of these beautiful babies are on the rise!

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Why do I feel like this duckling needs a cowboy hat?

Ancona are happy and adaptable quackers! They are a laid back and social bird from Great Britain. They make great pets particularly because they do not fly so there is no chance for these sweeties to abandon you for greener pastures. They have large, stocky legs that assists them in foraging in rough terrain and pinto-like pattern feathers.

The ladies lead these flocks while foraging, particularly because of their higher nitrition needs.

These guys make better guard dogs than geese do!!

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These babies are critically endangered. They are always looking for someone to start more conservation efforts! If you can help, please do! These are a beautiful addition to our vast planet!

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Mandarin ducks are cavity nesters. They build there nests in abandoned tree hollows or nest boxes. Within 2-4 days of the ducklings hatching the momma duck flies down to the ground below (sometimes over 3m!) and begins calling her baby fluffs. Upon hearing their mothers specific call the babies leap blindly out in to the world and because of their light and spongy little developing bodies, bounce on the leaf litter safely below to follow momma on their next adventure.