Wednesday, August 12, 2015

The Falcated Duck is a spectacular waterfowl, native to East Asia. This is a Gadwall size dabbling duck which is recognized as Anas Falcata scientifically. The average length of the Falcated Duck is about 48–54 cm. The male Falcated Duck has finely vermiculated grey physique plumage, with the extended sickle-shaped tertials, which give this species its name, hanging off its back. The huge head is dark green with a white throat, and a dark green collar and bronzed crown. The vent region is patterned in yellow, black and white.


Falcated Duck Male. Image: Wayne Dumbleton

The female Falcated Duck is dark brown, with plumage significantly like a female wigeon. Its extended grey bill is an help to identification. The eclipse male is like the female, but darker on the back and head. In flight both sexes show a pale grey underwing. The blackish speculum is bordered with a white bar on its inner edge. Young birds are buffer than the female and have brief tertials.


Female Falcated Duck . By ColGould

The male Falcated Duck has a clear low whistle, whereas the female has a gruff “quack“. Falcated Duck is a spectacular waterfowl which is a strong migratory bird and comes to South East Asia and India in the winters. Falcated Duck loves to live in lowland wetlands, such as water meadows or lakes, and typically feeds by dabbling for plant meals or grazing. It nests on the ground, close to water and below the cover of taller vegetation. The clutch is 6–10 eggs.

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