Wood Duck

The Lakes provide important breeding habitat for the Wood Duck (Aix sponsa), one of the most beautiful water birds in North America. Wood Ducks nest in holes in trees, usually near water, and they eat seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates. Wood Ducks were nearly driven to extinction in the 1800’s due to hunting and habitat loss. Thanks in part to successful nesting programs like the one at Santee Lakes, Wood Ducks have made a remarkable comeback in many parts of the United States.

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) are one of the largest birds found at Santee Lakes. These large, blue-gray birds can measure up to 4 ft. tall! Great Blue Herons have long legs, yellow eyes, and a yellow bill. They catch their food, usually fish, frogs, and invertebrates, by stabbing it with their sharp, spear-like bill.

Great Egret

Great Egrets (Ardea alba) have long, black legs and feet, and a long yellow bill. These large, all white birds are found throughout much of the world, often wading along the shores of marshes and ponds. They catch their food, usually fish, frogs, and invertebrates, by stabbing it with their sharp, spear-like bill.

Mallard Duck

Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) are found in nearly all wetland habitats. Male Mallards are easily recognized by their dark green heads; females are brown with white markings. These ducks make their nests in the ground and line them with vegetation and feathers. Lucky visitors will see down-covered Mallard chicks at Santee Lakes in the spring.

American Coot

They may look like ducks, but American Coots (Fulica americana) are actually members of the Rail family. Unlike ducks, American Coots and their relatives do not have webbed feet. These water birds spend most of their time swimming, although they often come up on shore to feed, as seen here. Coots are easily recognized by their all black body and white bill.