Are Diving Ducks Good To Eat?

Diver ducks are migratory waterfowl that feed on fish, mollusks, and aquatic invertebrates. They are known for their remarkable ability to dive underwater in search of food, with some duck species having a reputation for being smelly and fishy tasting. However, divers can still be eaten, even if it requires extra preparation.

Diving ducks include the scaup, mergansers, eiders, goldeneye, and scoters. Lesser and Greater Scaup consume both animal and plant matter. Both dabbling ducks and diving ducks consume a variety of insects and invertebrates, although their feeding preferences may vary. Dabbling ducks tend to eat, while sea ducks dive for food, with differences among them as well as similarities.

Diving ducks, such as bills, cans, ring necks, redheads, and hooded mergs, are all good eating ducks. Ringnecks are pretty good table fare, and bluebills depend on what they’re eating. Diver ducks have a reputation for being smelly and fishy tasting, but the difference in taste reflects the differences in diets between the species.

Diving ducks feed on things like mollusks and crustaceans, along with aquatic plants and insects. Gadwall, cinnamon teal, and spoonies all eat about the same (edible but not pleasant), as they tend to eat a lot of protein. In the early season, hunters often shoot woodies, which are wonderful eating ducks that don’t require much extra preparation.

In summary, divers, mergansers, and sea ducks are migratory waterfowl species known for their ability to dive underwater in search of food. Although they may have a strong smell and taste, they can still be eaten with a little extra preparation.