Ponds and Lakes: Birds

Mammals

Amphibians/Reptiles

Arthropods

Plants

Bryophytes/Lichen

Barrow's Goldeneye

Barrow's Goldeney is known as "British Columbia’s waterfowl" because 60 to 90% of the world’s population lives in the province year round. The distinct white crescent on each side of the head of the male along with the bright yellow eyes and black and white ladder along his side are clear identifying marks. Females are a dull gray with brown head and the yellow eyes. Barrow's Goldeney will nest in tree hollows or specially constructed nest boxes. Broods as large as 30 young have been recorded. All goldeneyes migrate to coastal waters in the winter, where they feed on mussels in shallow water.

Eared Grebe

One of the smallest grebes found in BC, the Eared Grebe is closely associated with our grasslands ponds and lakes. The black back, neck and head with a fan of golden orange feathers at the ear distinguish it from the Horned Grebe. Eared Grebes often nests in large colonies of up to 1,000 nests. Nests are made of rotting aquatic vegetation and float among the emergent vegetation. Eared Grebes are most abundant in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region.

Redhead

A medium-large diving duck with a round red head, black front and gray back and sides. Its nests are suspended above the water and made of dead aquatic vegetation lined with dry vegetation and down. Breeds throughout our grasslands, including in the Peace River region. Numbers of redheads have been very variable but seem to be increasing. .

Want to know more about some species at risk in pond and lake habitats?
Go to Species at Risk

Here is a list of other representative species in pond and lake habitats:

American Coot
American Wigeon
Blue-winged Teal
 Bufflehead
Canada Goose
Common Loon
Gadwall
Green-winged Teal
Mallard
Northern Pintail
Northern Shoveler
Red-necked Grebe
Ring-necked Duck
Ruddy Duck
Tundra Swan
Wilson’s Phalarope

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