Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
B7, B29, B30, B31, B40, B94, B96, B97, B108, B128.w1, B128.w2
D1, D8

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Dabbling Ducks
• Wigeon

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Grazing Waterfowl (D1)

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Dabbling Ducks are generally hardy, easy to maintain and easy to breed. Shelter may be required by some of the smaller species in winter. They should be provided with cover (including marginal pond cover) and loafing areas as well as water. A pen which is 50% water is suggested. The water may be shallow (i.e. no more than two feet deep is required), and muddy areas for dabbling in are also appreciated. These ducks are generally good in mixed collections, although the smaller and quieter species may be bullied. Territorial disputes between ducks of the same species may be avoided by keeping only one pair of each species in an enclosure, unless the area is very large. For a single pair of ducks a pen are of 50 to 100 square metres, depending on the size of duck, should be provided.
• A diet based on wheat and pellets is suggested, with maintenance pellets changed to breeders pellets for the breeding season. Bread and greenfood are also appreciated. Grit should always be available, with soluble grit (e.g. oystershell grit) as a calcium source when breeding.
• Most species are ground nesters and both close ground cover and ground level nest boxes should be provided. Hand-rearing is generally preferred, as these ducks are generally poor parents in captive conditions, particularly in enclosures shared with other waterfowl. These ducks are prone to hybridization, particularly with closely related species, which should be kept apart from one another.
• Wigeon are grazing species and should be provided with a sward of short grass, with extra green food provided if sufficient grass is not available.

(B7, B29, B30, B40, B94, B128.w1, D1)

Species-specific information:

• American wigeon are winter-hardy, non-aggressive, and suitable for a mixed collections with a grazing area available. Grass and other green food for this grazing duck should be supplemented with grain and pellets.
• They are fairly easy to breed, using natural ground cover, or they may use a ground-level box. They may incubate if undisturbed, but at risk from predators including hedgehogs. Ducklings, which are not difficult to rear, appreciate duckweed and aquatic insects.
• Fertile hybrids with Anas penelope - Eurasian wigeon may occur easily, and the two species should not be kept in the same enclosure. Hybrids have also been reported with other Anas species, some Aythya species, Netta rufina - Red-crested pochard and Cairina moschata - Muscovy duck.

(B7, B29, B31, B40, B94, B96, B97, B108, B128.w2)

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average ring size: J 9.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Tail black with grey outer feathers, tail-coverts black. Tertials elongated, pointed, black with white edging, primaries and their coverts grey-brown, speculum formed by secondaries: glossy green, shading to black ends; lesser coverts brownish, greater coverts white with black tips.

Eclipse: Similar to female but richer chestnut brown, upperparts blacker, and retains wing pattern.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Usually with female until fledged, but female may abandon earlier to fly to moulting site, or stay, start moulting and then be abandoned by fledged ducklings.

Social Behaviour

Sometimes flock with Anas strepera - Gadwall.

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Winters on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America, inland south to Panama, islands of Bahamas and Hawaii.

Occasionally vagrants to north-eastern Siberia, Japan, Greenland, Newfoundland, Bermuda, Aleutian Islands.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Common. Winter population may be more than 6.5 million (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade