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, B97, B128.w1
D1, D8

Other References

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

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Dabbling Ducks

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

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.

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

Species-specific information:

• Philippine ducks are fairly winter-hardy and easy to manage. The enclosure should provide water, loafing areas and cover. They are suitable for mixed collections, although there may be problems with drake Anas platyrhynchos - Mallard attempting to pair with ducks. Feed as other dabbling-ducks, with grain and pellets.
• These ducks are easily bred. They may nest in natural close ground cover, ground level or raised nest box, shelters or baskets, eggs laid from mid-May onwards in Europe, sometimes from as early as mid-April (B31), from April to June (B29). The ducklings are straightforward to rear. A duck may rear two broods in one season; starter crumbs supplemented with duckweed and finely chopped grass suggested.
• Prone to hybridisation within the '"mallard" group; hybrids reported with Anas platyrhynchos - Mallard and Anas superciliosa - Pacific black duck.

(B29, B30, B31, B94, B97)

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average closed ring size: L 11.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

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Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Philippine Islands: Luzon, Masbate, Mindoro, Mindanao.

Sedentary; local movements only.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Loose estimate of 10,000-100,000 birds in the wild. Vulnerable (B1, B44.9.w1).

Captive Populations

Trade