Puddle ducks are typically birds of fresh, shallow marshes and rivers rather than of large lakes and bays. They are good divers, but usually feed by dabbling or tipping rather than by submerging. Any duck feeding in croplands will likely be a puddle duck, for most of this group are surefooted and can walk and run well on land. Their diet consists of mostly vegetable matter.

A bird of the eastern states, it is primarily found in the Atlantic Flyway and, to a lesser extent, the Mississippi Flyway. The American black duck is shy and is often regarded as the wariest of all ducks.

Ohio Status: Species of Special Interest