Cataquacks are duck-like creatures that live on Gelato Beach and are easily angered. When they get angry they hurl Mario into the air. They can be both useful and dangerous
In Super Mario Sunshine, Cataquacks come in two colors, red and blue. The blue Cataquacks cannot damage Mario, but the red ones can. Both varieties are rather lazy and will fall asleep if left undisturbed. The red version is reportedly new to the area. However, as the game continues, more and more red Cataquacks are seen, as well as the number of the Cataquacks in general increases. In the end, only one blue Cataquack is remaining.
In Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Cataquacks are revealed to come in purple and green varieties, in addition to the other red and blue colors. The game also reveals that they are also known as Pihanas (which is actually a Japanese name for them; one should note its use of "hana", the Japanese word for "flower"). They can be found on Peach Beach.
There is also a similar enemy called a Plungelo that looks like giant, red Cataquack with plunger-like feet, a smaller beak, and flowers on their heads. Frackles and Wrackles from Super Paper Mario bare a resemblance to them as well.
Cataquacks will appear in Super Mario Galaxy.