Bird ID
Ducks
Mallard, pintail, teal, wigeon, gadwall, shoveler and divers all winter in the Central Valley.
Key ID marks
- Check the speculum color
- Watch flight style and calls
Typical size
1–3 lb
Best season
Oct–Jan
Where
Rice, marshes, refuges, Delta
Look-alikes
See the Waterfowl guide.
Fish & Game notes
Federal duck stamp, CA validation and HIP required. Species bag limits apply (pintail and canvasback are tight). Steel shot only.
Current CDFW regulations →Find it here