iN PHOTOS: Ducks you can spot year-round in Thompson-Okanagan

March in the Thompson-Okanagan region can have its share of dreary days, but fortunately there are ample areas to observe interesting wildlife including numerous species of uniquely coloured ducks.  

The most common duck species in region is the mallard known by the shiny green heads of the males, or drakes, but a surprising number of other species dabble on waterbodies in the region.

There are 26 species of ducks that make BC home with some only showing up in the summer or winter, according to Bird Advisors. The following are ten to look for in the Thompson-Okanagan region all year round. The ducks were photographed by local wildlife enthusiasts in recent months.

All ducks are omnivores and can be observed snacking on insects, crustaceans, small fish and plants. The birds have hard pointed structures on their beaks called lamellae that allows them to grasp plants and filter food through water.

Female ducks tend to be brown and mottled while the drakes have flashier plumage. Each species has distinctly different plumage colours and patterns, and unique vocalizations that make it easier to identify them.