Ducks come in all shapes and sizes, but some stand out with their stylish crests that resemble mohawks. These ducks with mohawks have unique feather arrangements on their heads, giving them a punk-rock or regal appearance. From wild species like the Hooded Merganser to domesticated breeds like the Crested Duck, each of these birds has a distinctive look that makes them easy to recognize.
If you’ve ever wondered about a duck with a mohawk, you’re not alone! Many waterfowl species have natural crests that add to their charm. Some have sleek, slicked-back crests, while others sport wild, spiky feather tufts. Whether it’s for camouflage, courtship, or pure style, these crests make them some of the most fascinating ducks in the world.
In this guide, we’ll explore 20 types of ducks with mohawks, complete with pictures and identification tips. You’ll learn about their habitats, behaviors, and what makes their crests so special. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or just curious about these unique-looking ducks, this list will introduce you to some of the most eye-catching waterfowl on the planet!
Different Types of Ducks with Mohawks
Crested Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)
The Crested Duck is a domestic breed known for its distinctive tuft of feathers on top of its head, which gives it a mohawk-like appearance. This unique crest is caused by a genetic mutation that affects skull development, resulting in a fluffy, eye-catching feather cluster. Crested Ducks have been bred for centuries, mainly for ornamental purposes, though they are also raised for eggs and meat.
These ducks come in a variety of colors, including white, black, and mallard-like patterns. Their medium-sized bodies and rounded shape make them easy to distinguish from other domestic ducks. While their crest makes them look elegant, it does not impact their overall health, although breeding two crested ducks together can sometimes lead to complications in offspring.
Crested Ducks are known for their calm and friendly personalities, making them popular pets and farm ducks. They adapt well to different environments and enjoy swimming and foraging. Despite their fancy appearance, they are hardy birds that require minimal special care beyond basic duck husbandry.
Smew (Mergellus albellus)
The Smew is a small, striking diving duck found in northern Europe and Asia. Males have a sharp black-and-white coloration, giving them a sleek, tuxedo-like appearance. Their most recognizable feature is their tufted crest, which extends backward from their head, resembling a mohawk. This feature, combined with their bright white plumage and contrasting black markings, makes them one of the most stylish ducks in the wild.
Females and juveniles, known as “redheads,” have more subdued brown and gray plumage with a smaller crest. These ducks are excellent divers, using their sharp beaks to catch fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Unlike dabbling ducks, Smews prefer deeper waters and can often be seen foraging in lakes, rivers, and coastal wetlands.
During the breeding season, Smews nest in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes near water sources. They migrate long distances between their breeding grounds in northern forests and their wintering areas in milder climates. Their small population size and reliance on specific habitats make them a conservation concern in some regions.
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
The Hooded Merganser is a small, fish-eating duck native to North America. Males are particularly striking, with a dramatic fan-shaped crest that can be raised or lowered at will. When fully extended, the crest gives them a bold mohawk-like look, especially with its stark black-and-white coloration. This feature is used for communication and courtship displays, making them one of the most visually impressive ducks.
Females are less flashy, with brown plumage and a smaller, reddish-brown crest. Despite their modest appearance, they share the same sleek body shape and diving abilities as the males. Hooded Mergansers primarily hunt for fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans by diving underwater, using their keen eyesight to locate prey.
These ducks prefer wooded wetlands, slow-moving rivers, and small lakes with plenty of vegetation. They nest in tree cavities, similar to wood ducks, and readily use nest boxes when available. Their ability to thrive in both natural and human-altered environments has helped maintain stable population numbers.
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)
The Wood Duck is one of North America’s most colorful waterfowl species, known for its iridescent green and purple head and slicked-back crest. This slight feather crest gives males a mohawk-like look, especially when they raise their head feathers during courtship displays. Their striking plumage also includes bold white markings on the face and chestnut-colored breast feathers.
Females are less vibrant but still have a subtle beauty, with soft brown feathers and a white eye-ring that adds to their distinctive look. Wood Ducks are excellent fliers and strong swimmers, preferring wooded swamps, marshes, and slow-moving rivers where they can easily find food. Their diet consists of seeds, berries, insects, and aquatic plants.
One of the most remarkable traits of Wood Ducks is their nesting behavior. They are cavity nesters, meaning they lay their eggs in tree holes or specially designed nest boxes. Ducklings hatch in these high nests and must take a daring leap to the ground shortly after birth. Thanks to conservation efforts and nest box programs, Wood Duck populations have rebounded significantly after past declines.
Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata)
The Mandarin Duck is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ducks in the world. Males have extravagant plumage, including an elongated crest that gives them a stylish, mohawk-like appearance. Their head feathers feature a mix of iridescent green, deep purple, and rusty orange, creating a spectacular display, especially during the breeding season. They also have distinctive “sail” feathers on their back that add to their unique look.
Females are more muted in color, with soft gray and brown feathers and a white eye-ring. Despite their less showy appearance, they share the same elegant body shape as the males. Mandarin Ducks are highly adaptable and thrive in forested wetlands, rivers, and ponds. Unlike many other duck species, they perch in trees and often nest in high branches.
Originally native to East Asia, Mandarin Ducks have been introduced to parts of Europe and North America, where they have established small wild populations. They are primarily dabbling ducks, feeding on seeds, plants, and small aquatic creatures. Due to their stunning appearance, they are also popular in ornamental aviaries and private collections.
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
The Red-breasted Merganser is one of the most recognizable waterfowl thanks to its spiky, unkempt crest that resembles a wild mohawk. Males have dark green heads, fiery red eyes, and thin, wispy feathers sticking out in all directions, giving them a rebellious, punk-rock look. Their slender, serrated beak is perfectly adapted for catching fish, making them highly efficient hunters.
Females have a similar shaggy crest but in a rusty brown color, matching their overall grayish-brown plumage. Unlike many other ducks, Red-breasted Mergansers are almost entirely fish-eaters, diving underwater to chase their prey with remarkable speed and agility. Their diet also includes crustaceans and aquatic insects.
These ducks breed in northern North America, Europe, and Asia, nesting near freshwater lakes and rivers. In winter, they migrate to coastal waters, where they can often be seen hunting in groups. Their spiky appearance, combined with their fast, low flight over the water, makes them one of the most fascinating mergansers to observe.
Argentine Crested Duck (Lophonetta specularioides)
The Argentine Crested Duck is a South American species with a modest yet noticeable crest that gives it a subtle mohawk-like appearance. Unlike the domesticated Crested Duck, its crest is not as exaggerated but still adds to its distinctive look. This duck has a muted brownish-gray plumage with a hint of iridescence on its wings, allowing it to blend well into its environment.
Both males and females look similar, with only slight variations in size. Argentine Crested Ducks are primarily dabbling ducks, feeding on aquatic plants, small invertebrates, and algae. They forage in shallow wetlands, lakes, and coastal lagoons, often staying in pairs or small groups.
Unlike many other waterfowl, they are non-migratory, remaining in Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands year-round. Their adaptability to both freshwater and coastal environments helps them maintain stable populations despite habitat changes.
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
The Tufted Duck is a small diving duck with a striking, backward-facing crest that gives it a slicked-back mohawk look. Males are unmistakable, with glossy black plumage, bright yellow eyes, and a long, elegant feather tuft extending from the back of their heads. This unique feature makes them one of the most stylish ducks in the water.
Females lack the dramatic crest but still have a subtle tuft, with brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage. Tufted Ducks primarily feed by diving underwater to catch mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic plants. They are highly skilled divers, capable of staying submerged for extended periods while searching for food.
These ducks are found across Europe and Asia, with some populations migrating to warmer regions during the winter. They prefer freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, often forming large flocks with other diving ducks. Their bold appearance and active diving behavior make them a favorite among birdwatchers.
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca)
Though technically not a true duck, the Egyptian Goose is often grouped with waterfowl due to its habits and appearance. This species has a small, fluffy crest on its head that can sometimes resemble a subtle mohawk when raised. Its overall plumage is a mix of warm brown, cream, and black, with distinctive dark eye patches that give it a fierce expression.
Egyptian Geese are native to Africa but have been introduced to parts of Europe and North America, where they have established feral populations. They are highly adaptable, thriving in a variety of habitats, including lakes, rivers, marshes, and even urban parks. Their diet consists of grasses, seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates.
Unlike most ducks, Egyptian Geese are known for their aggressive behavior, especially during the breeding season. They form strong pair bonds and will fiercely defend their nesting territories from intruders, including much larger birds. Their loud calls and dominant personalities make them one of the more assertive members of the waterfowl family.
Brazilian Teal (Amazonetta brasiliensis)
The Brazilian Teal is a small, elegant duck native to South America, known for its slight crest at the back of its head. While not as dramatic as the Tufted Duck or Hooded Merganser, this crest can appear mohawk-like when fluffed up, adding to the bird’s charm. Males and females have similar plumage, with a mix of gray, brown, and subtle green iridescence on their wings.
These ducks are primarily dabblers, feeding on seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates found in shallow wetlands and slow-moving rivers. Unlike many other waterfowl, Brazilian Teals are often seen in pairs rather than large flocks, as they form strong monogamous bonds.
Their ability to adapt to various wetland environments has helped them maintain stable populations. They are non-migratory and can be found throughout Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and surrounding regions. Despite their relatively understated appearance, their small crest and graceful demeanor make them a unique member of the duck family.
Scaly-sided Merganser (Mergus squamatus)
The Scaly-sided Merganser is one of the rarest and most striking mergansers, known for its long, shaggy crest that gives it a rebellious, mohawk-style appearance. Males have a glossy greenish-black head with wispy, unkempt feathers that extend backward, enhancing their wild look. Their white underparts and intricate black-and-white “scaly” pattern on their flanks make them one of the most visually unique waterfowl species.
These mergansers prefer fast-moving rivers and forested wetlands in eastern Russia and China. Unlike other diving ducks that rely on open water, they often breed in tree cavities near streams, making them more elusive and difficult to observe. Their diet consists mainly of small fish, which they catch with their sharp, serrated beaks.
Due to habitat destruction and deforestation, the Scaly-sided Merganser is classified as Endangered. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their breeding grounds and ensure the survival of this rare and fascinating species, which remains one of the most visually striking ducks in the world.
Spectacled Eider (Somateria fischeri)
The Spectacled Eider is a unique sea duck with an appearance unlike any other. While it doesn’t have a traditional mohawk, the male’s puffed-up head shape and thick, spiky feathers give it a distinctively edgy look. Their greenish nape and striking black-and-white facial markings resemble a pair of spectacles, making them one of the most recognizable Arctic ducks.
These eiders inhabit coastal tundra regions in Alaska and Siberia, where they nest in wet meadows and breed in harsh, remote environments. During the winter, they form massive floating flocks in the Bering Sea, often gathering by the thousands in ice-free waters. They primarily feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and other marine invertebrates, diving beneath the surface to forage.
Despite their resilience in extreme environments, Spectacled Eiders face threats from climate change and habitat loss. Conservationists continue to monitor their populations to ensure these unique and stylish ducks remain a part of the Arctic ecosystem.
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
The Bufflehead is one of the smallest diving ducks, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality. Males have a large, rounded head with iridescent green and purple plumage, and when they puff up their feathers, it can create a mohawk-like effect. Their contrasting white patches on the back of the head further add to their distinctive look.
Unlike many ducks that nest in marshes or on the ground, Buffleheads rely on old woodpecker holes, particularly those made by Northern Flickers, for nesting sites. This behavior makes them more dependent on forested wetlands and conservation efforts that maintain natural cavities or provide nest boxes.
Buffleheads are excellent divers, using their small but powerful bodies to plunge underwater in search of aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans, and small fish. They are highly active birds, often engaging in playful chases and displaying remarkable agility both in the air and underwater.
Eurasian Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
The Eurasian Tufted Duck is closely related to the Tufted Duck mentioned earlier but is primarily found in Europe and Asia. Males have a bold black-and-white plumage with a slicked-back, wispy crest that gives them a stylish mohawk-like appearance. Their golden-yellow eyes provide a striking contrast to their dark feathers, making them easy to identify.
These ducks prefer freshwater lakes, ponds, and coastal estuaries, where they dive for food such as mollusks, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates. They are strong divers, often staying underwater for extended periods to forage.
During migration, they form large flocks, sometimes mixing with other diving ducks such as Pochards and Scaups. Their widespread range and adaptability make them a common sight in wetlands across Eurasia, and they are often seen bobbing on the water with their signature tufted feathers waving in the wind.
Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus)
While not a duck, the Dalmatian Pelican earns a spot on this list due to its wild, shaggy crest that sometimes sticks up like a mohawk. This massive waterbird, one of the largest pelican species in the world, has untamed, disheveled feathers on its head that give it a “punk rocker” look, especially during the breeding season.
Dalmatian Pelicans inhabit freshwater lakes, rivers, and deltas across southeastern Europe and Central Asia. They are skilled fish hunters, using their large, pouched bills to scoop up prey. Unlike many other waterbirds, they often work in cooperative groups, driving fish into shallower waters before catching them in their enormous bills.
Despite their impressive size and striking appearance, Dalmatian Pelicans face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and declining fish populations. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize some populations, but continued protection is necessary to ensure that this “punk-rock” pelican remains a prominent figure in wetlands across its range.
African Pygmy Goose (Nettapus auritus)
The African Pygmy Goose is one of the smallest waterfowl species, but its striking plumage and unique head shape make it stand out. This species has a rounded head with slight feather ridges that sometimes form a subtle crest, giving it a faint mohawk-like appearance. Males are particularly eye-catching, with glossy green head feathers, a white face, and bright orange bill.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, African Pygmy Geese inhabit freshwater wetlands, swamps, and slow-moving rivers with abundant floating vegetation. Unlike true geese, they behave more like ducks, dabbling for food rather than grazing on land. Their diet consists mainly of water lilies, seeds, and small aquatic invertebrates.
Despite their small size, African Pygmy Geese are fast flyers and highly maneuverable, making them difficult to spot in the wild. They are monogamous and often seen in pairs or small groups. Their vibrant colors and unique features make them one of the most visually appealing waterfowl in Africa.
Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca)
The Velvet Scoter is a large sea duck with a striking dark appearance and a slightly raised crown of feathers that can sometimes resemble a subtle mohawk. Males have deep black plumage with a bold white wing patch, giving them a sleek and imposing look. Their velvety feathers contribute to their name, adding to their distinctive appearance.
These ducks are strong divers, often plunging deep underwater to catch mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. They are found in coastal waters, lakes, and large rivers across northern Europe and Asia. During the breeding season, they move inland to nest in forested wetlands, often near tundra regions.
Velvet Scoters are social birds, forming large flocks during migration and winter. They are known for their low, whistling calls, which can often be heard across their breeding grounds. Despite their widespread range, some populations have declined due to habitat loss and pollution, prompting conservation efforts to protect their coastal habitats.
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
The Long-tailed Duck is famous for its distinctive tail feathers, but it also has a unique head shape that gives it a sleek, raised-feather look, especially in winter plumage. Males have a striking contrast of black, white, and gray plumage, with a rounded head that appears slightly puffed up, creating an elegant yet mohawk-like effect.
These ducks are among the deepest-diving sea ducks, capable of reaching depths of over 200 feet (60 meters) in search of small fish and invertebrates. They primarily inhabit Arctic and subarctic coastal waters, spending winters in the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Unlike most ducks, they are highly vocal, producing a series of yodeling calls that can be heard from a distance.
Long-tailed Ducks are well-adapted to extreme cold and spend most of their lives in icy waters. Their stunning plumage, unique head shape, and remarkable diving abilities make them one of the most fascinating ducks in northern ecosystems.
