Mottled Duck

Mottled Duck

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

The only duck adapted to breeding in southern marshes, the Mottled Duck is a dull relative of the Mallard. It is in danger of being displaced by introduced Mallards, primarily because of hybridization.

Description

• Large dabbling duck.
• Body dark brown.
• Head and neck lighter brown.
• White underwing linings contrast sharply with dark body in flight.
• Greenish blue at back of wing.

• Size: 44-61 cm (17-24 in)
• Wingspan: 860 cm (339 in)
• Weight: 590-1380 g (20.83-48.71 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes similar, with male having brighter yellow bill.

Sound

A raspy "quack."

Conservation Status

Loss of wetland habitat has led to decrease in populations. Numbers fluctuate widely in response to periodic drought conditions. Mallards introduced as pets frequently interbreed with Mottled Ducks.

Other Names

Canard Brun (French)
Pato Tejano, Pato Moteado, Pato Chaparro, Pato Negro (Spanish)
Florida Duck, Dusky Duck (English)

Cool Facts

• Compared to other species of ducks, pair formation occurs early, with nearly 80% of all individuals paired by November. Breeding starts in January, continuing through to July and usually peaking in March and April.

Sources used to construct this page:

Moorman, T. E. and P. N. Gray. 1994. Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula) .In The Birds of North America, No. 81 (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, D.C.: The American Ornithologists' Union.