Green-winged Teal photo by Randy Zimmerman.
By Isabelle Molitor, Marketing Outreach Intern summer 2026
Wetland habitats are significant to many bird species. Marshes and wetlands provide shelter, opportunities for foraging, and serve as rest stops along a migrating bird’s path. However, people are often unaware of the diverse species of birds that live within their local wetland preserves. While the wetlands of northern Illinois are home to a variety of geese and ducks, other birds such as rails and coots can be spotted among the marshes and reeds as well. The family Anatidae includes ducks, geese, and swans. Rails and coots are a part of the Rallidae family.
Although rails and ducks might look similar at first, there are many physical and behavioral characteristics that separate the families. In northern Illinois, some of the most frequently spotted ducks include Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), Northern Shovelor (Spatula clypeata), and Wood Duck (Aix sponsa). Ducks typically have broad beaks, with serrations for some species. Many duck species display sexual dimorphism, meaning the male and female have different characteristics such as size and color. One of the most frequently known examples are Mallards, as the male has a recognizable green head with a gray body, while the female lacks the green head and has a mottled brown body.
Species such as the Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis), Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), and Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) are considered diving ducks and often prefer lakes, ponds, and rivers. Mallards and Wood Ducks are considered dabbling ducks and prefer shallow ponds and marshes.
Rails expected in northern Illinois include Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola), Sora (Porzana Carolina), and American Coots (Fulica americana). Common Gallinules (Gallinula galeata) can also be found, although rare (state endangered in Illinois). “They have nested at Nygren before, and one was observed there for a long time this spring,” said Alan Branhagen, Executive Director of Natural Land Institute. Just like ducks, Gallinules can swim and float well. However, unlike ducks, members of the Rallidae family do not have webbed feet. Characteristic features of rails and coots include long legs and toes and thick beaks. Additionally, males and females usually do not display sexual dimorphism.
American Coot photographed by Joan Edlefsen.
Compared to ducks, rails and coots are more elusive and challenging to spot. Virginia Rails prefer to hide in tall grasses, and they create nests and decoy nest that float in marshes and dense vegetation to deter predators. Even without webbed feet, American Coots are recognizable from the lobes on their toes. Additionally, many species of rails prefer wading near the shoreline and hiding in vegetation.
Other than ducks, Canada Geese (Branta Canadensis) and swans like the Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) and Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) are also included in the Anatidae family. Both of these swan species have distinct white bodies and form strong pair bonds. Cranes (Gruidae) often enjoy wetlands as well. One of the most common species of crane in northern Illinois is the Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis).
Not only do wetlands serve as great bird habitat, they also store carbon from the atmosphere through the process of carbon sequestration. The preservation of wetlands is important to protect biodiversity, but also to mitigate the impact of increasing carbon emissions. If you are interested in spotting water birds locally, the Carl and Myrna Nygren Wetland Preserve is a great spot for birding. The 721 acre preserve features prairie and woodland ecosystems in addition to the wetland.
Sandhill Crane photo by Randy Zimmerman.
Migration birds at Nygren Wetland photographed by David Watts.
Common Gallinule photo by Joan Edlefsen.