mottled duck

1. Bird Name
Engish Name: Mottled Duck
Scientific Name: Anas Fulvigula

2. Appearance
The Mottled Duck, as the name suggests, features a variety of shades from dark brown to gray on its body, giving a distinct mottled look. This bird possesses a yellowish tinge to its bill, while its eyes radiate a tantalizing hue of orange. Adult males boast a bright green-blue section or patch on their wings (speculum). Unlike many other duck species, the difference between males and females is difficult to identify. Both genders share similar plumage coloration, with females only subtly lighter than males.

3. Size
On average, Mottled Ducks measure between 44 to 61 cm in length and have a wingspan ranging from 76 to 94 cm, providing them with a commanding presence on water bodies. Regarding weight, these ducks usually range between 771-1021 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Mottled Ducks primarily reside in the United States, predominantly along the Gulf Coast from Alabama to Texas and in the Florida Peninsula. Their preferred habitats include freshwater wetlands, marshes, shallow ponds, and prairies. Occasionally, these birds can also be spotted in brackish or saltwater ecosystems, indicating their adaptability.

5. Interesting Facts
A unique aspect of Mottled Ducks is their residency; unlike other ducks, they do not usually migrate, opting to remain within 50 miles of their hatching site. Furthermore, their mating rituals are unusual. They are one of the few duck species to form lifelong pair bonds, with males and females staying together throughout the year, not just during the breeding season.

6. Diet
Mottled Ducks are omnivorous, feeding on a mixture of plant and animal matter. Their diets primarily incorporate seeds, stems, roots of aquatic vegetation, but also include insects, mollusks, small fish, and crustaceans when available.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Their call is a typical low, quacking sound. Mottled Ducks are known for their aggressive territorial behavior, demonstrating a high degree of environmental fidelity which means they choose to stick to one segment of their home range.

8. Conservation Status
The Mottled Duck is currently listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, their population is known to be decreasing due to habitat loss and hybridization with closely related species like the Mallard.

9. Lifespan
Typically, Mottled Ducks can live for 11 years in the wild. In captivity, with ideal conditions, they can live up to 15 years.

10. Additional Notes
Mottled Ducks, also known as “Florida Duck”, “Mottler”, or “Summer Duck” in some localities, play an important role in their ecosystem as they aid in plant dispersal via seed consumption. They have also adapted to human-altered habitats, often seen grazing on grass in urban environments. Despite their adaptability, human interference with wetland habitats and hybridization with the mallard species pose significant threats to their population.