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, B95, 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:

• Chiloe wigeon are winter-hardy. They require short grass for grazing. May be aggressive while breeding and drakes may rape other ducks, but if they are well-paired they may be maintained in a mixed collection; alternatively a separate enclosure may be used. Feed as other dabbling ducks: grain, pellets, greenfood, grass, bread.
• These ducks are easy to breed. They require good ground cover for nesting , also use a ground-level box or a raised box, basket, even a tunnel nest box. Nest boxes on islands or near water are preferred. They usually lay end of April to June and may produce three clutches of eggs if the clutch is removed. They are easy to incubator hatch and to rear, with no problems in starting to feed but require plenty of green food as well as rearing meal; aquatic insects are also appreciated. The drake is protective and will assist in rearing ducklings.
• Frequently hybridise with other Anas spp.; hybrids also reported with Netta rufina - Red-crested pochard, Aix sponsa - Wood duck, Nettapus auritus - African pygmy-goose. (B97).

(B29, B31, B40, B94, B95, B96, B97, B108, B128.w2)

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

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Wing has primaries dark grey-brown, secondaries black with green gloss, coverts white with black tips to greater coverts.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

--

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Southern populations migrate to winter at lower latitudes – north to Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil.

Falklands population sedentary.

--

Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Widespread and fairly abundant.

Captive Populations

Trade