How do diving ducks typically feed compared to dabbling ducks?

Diving ducks are known for their distinct feeding behavior, which primarily involves diving underwater to find food. This method allows them to access a variety of aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish located beneath the surface. By diving, these ducks can reach food sources that dabbling ducks, which primarily feed by tipping their bodies forward to graze on the surface of the water, cannot access as easily. This adaptation enables diving ducks to exploit different ecological niches and dietary options compared to their dabbling counterparts, which are more surface-oriented in their feeding habits.

In contrast, dabbling ducks remain on or near the water's surface, using their bills to filter or graze on food found there. Activities such as skimming the water’s surface, foraging along the shore, or taking flight are not characteristic feeding behaviors of diving ducks, as they rely primarily on their ability to dive for sustenance. This distinction highlights the unique adaptations and feeding strategies of different duck species within their aquatic ecosystems.