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Features: Both males and females have a bluish bill with a black tip. Drakes are white on the top of the head, green eye stripes, purplish breast and flanks, white belly and wing covert patch, and have an iridescent black/green speculum. The grayish hen shows white on the wing covert patch. Habitat: An abundant overwintering duck, especially in the Willamette Valley and coastal areas. Prefer shallow habitats like wet meadows or marshes where, like geese, they feed on green grass and sedges. Techniques: These ducks are early migrants (September) but can be common in mixed duck bags throughout the season
Features: Drakes have a reddish head and neck; black breast, lower back and tail coverts; nearly white back, flank, and belly, and dark gray tail. The hen is grayish brown with a darker brown head, neck, breast and tail coverts. Canvasbacks are large; adults in good condition are as heavy as mallards and second in size only to the white-winged scoter among common Oregon ducks. Habitat: Brackish estuarine bays and marshes with abundant submerged aquatic vegetation and invertebrates are ideal wintering habitat for canvasbacks. Techniques: Generally part of a mixed duck bag. These ducks have a reputation as good table
Features: Drakes are easily distinguished from American wigeon drakes by a reddish brown head, gray flank, and lack of green eye stripe. Hens are similar to American wigeon hens and difficult to distinguish. The call of the male is a shrill whistling, whe'e you; the female's voice a low purr or croak. It is a rare to uncommon visitant east of the Cascades.
Features: Adult drakes have a black bill, buff head, gray body, and black upper and lower tail coverts. Hens are nondescript brown ducks with a spotted, yellowish-orange bill with black edges. Unique among dabbling ducks, the gadwall has a partly white speculum (rear part of the wing) that can be seen when the bird is in flight. Habitat: Submerged aquatic vegetation makes up the majority of the gadwall's diet. As a result, they are often found feeding far from the shoreline, in deeper water than most other dabbling ducks. Can be abundant is eastern Oregon early in the season, but
Features: Drakes show graceful patterns of black and white plumage, glossy purple heads, white crescent-shaped patches between the eye and bill, steep forehead, and short bill. Females and juveniles have a chocolate-brown head, slate-gray back, wings and tail; adult females have a golden bill. Habitat: Not common, but usually scattered on lakes, reservoirs and coastal estuaries. They share Snake River habitat with the common goldeneye. Techniques: Not usually targeted, they are a rare part of a mixed duck bag.
Features: The winter males' body is mostly white except for a black breast and central back; the wings are dark, scapulars long and gray, and the dark central tail feathers are long and slender. Winter females are darker above with a light head; scapulars and tail feathers are short and dark. Dark areas mark females' heads and males' necks. Habitat: Long-tailed ducks can show up almost anywhere from the coast (they usually winter off shore) to inland on the Columbia River and on lakes throughout the state. Techniques: Some long-tailed ducks are taken in Oregon, but not enough to show
Features: Males have white sides and breasts, deep green heads and dark backs. The pearl gray bodies and white breasts of females, subadults, and eclipse males are sharply delineated from their full-crested chestnut heads. Habitat: During the winter, these ducks are wide-spread in rivers, lakes and marshes across the state. Techniques: Not usually sought for table fare.
Features: The male has a striking black head with a white crest, white breast, black back, and chestnut sides. Females and immatures are dull grayish brown except for a reddish-brown crest. Habitat: During migration hooded mergansers are widespread, though uncommon, across Oregon. They are usually in sheltered areas of lakes and ponds and less commonly on estuaries. Often seem in pairs or small groups. Techniques: Not usually targeted, they can be part of a mixed duck bag.
This vast area covers the Columbia Basin through the Blue, Wallowa and Elkhorn mountains to the Snake River.
Hunting opportunities abound in the densely forested southwest corner of Oregon. From the beautiful, ragged coastline through the Siskiyou Mountains to Crater Lake National Park, there is something for every game bird hunter.
This area extends the eastern flanks of the Cascade Range through the Ochoco Mountains to the beginning of the Great Basin, making it a great place to explore.
From the eastern flanks of Crater Lake National Park through ponderosa pine forests to the nationally-renowned Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, there is something for every bird hunter in south central Oregon.
This massive area is a cornucopia of geographic features and prime upland and waterfowl hunting opportunities. It is a gem of Oregon.
Features: Slightly larger than its cousin, the rock pigeon, band-tailed pigeons have a grey body. As its name suggests, a wide pale band stretches along the tip of tail feathers. Up close a distinctive white, crescent-shaped mark across its neck is noticable. Habitats: Found on the west side of the state, the band-tailed pigeon frequents semi-open coniferous forests. It forages on wild seeds and fruits in tree tops. In search of food, it travels in flocks from tree top to tree top. Techniques: Find a food source, such as elderberry or cascara, and location with open shooting lanes. Then wait
Features: Slender birds, mourning doves have long tails and small heads. Their soft cooing and whistling wings make them unmistakable. Habitats: Mourning doves perch on telephone wires or in trees. They forage on the ground for seeds. Techniques: Scouting is always helpful. Look for a tree or telephone line that is near a food crop. Once a location is found, find a spot where a backdrop will breakup your silhouette and take a seat. Wait for a passing shot. Extra shells may be necessary.
