Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
J23.13.w7
B7, B29, B30, B40, B94, 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

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Aggressive Birds (Category 1.) (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.

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

Species-specific information:

• Crested ducks are territorial and aggressive; they require a separate enclosure.
• These ducks are bred fairly readily, although Andean crested duck Anas specularioides alticola may be less easy to breed than Patagonian crested duck Anas specularioides specularioides.They may nest in close ground cover, or perhaps a ground-level nest box, kennel or wigwam. Eggs are laid usually from March to May.

(J23.13.w7, B29, B30, B94, B128.w2, D1)

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average ring size: Anas specularioides specularioides L 11.0mm; Anas specularioides alticola M 12.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Tail and undertail coverts blackish, uppertail coverts and rump pale grey-brown, rest of upperparts darker grey-brown.

Wing earth-brown, secondaries iridescent bronze/green, with black subterminal band, wide white tips (speculum bronze-green with caudal black and white line).

Female: has a shorter crest.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Bill: Grey with pinkish lower mandible.
Feet: Dark grey.

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.)

Anas specularioides specularioides Central Chile and western Argentina southward to Tierra del Fuego, Falkland Islands.

Mainly sedentary, but high altitude and high latitude birds disperse to coasts in winter.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Common (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade