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, B40, B94, B97, B128.w1 B128.w2, B129
D1, D8

Other references: B38, B138

• Wildlife and Countryside Directorate, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR)
• British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)
• The Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
• Earthkind
• The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)

• Waterfowl Management Guidelines
• Proceedings of the Waterfowl Information Network Conference 1999
• Wetlands, Industry and Wildlife
• London Waterfowl Project FAQ's
• The Electronic Library: further reading for "Wildlife: Oil Spill Response"

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:

• Gadwall are generally hardy, but extra feed and some shelter may be required in winter in severe prolonged cold weather. They are suitable for mixed collections. Cover and loafing areas should be provided as well as a water area. Regular provision of grass or other greenfood is appreciated in addition to grain and pellets.
• These ducks are easily bred. They usually lay April to June, in close ground cover or a ground-level nest box, usually close to water. Ducklings are not difficult to rear; they should be provided with starter crumbs and grass.
• Hybrids reported with other Anas species, also with Aix sponsa - Wood duck (and Aix galericulata - Mandarin duck, but see information on that species).

(B29, B30, B40, B94, B97, B128.w2, B129).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average ring size: K 10.0mm (D8).

• Accommodation of Casualty Waterfowl
• Rearing of Birds - Artificial Rearing - Waterfowl considerations
• Catching and Handling of Waterfowl
• Feeding of Casualty Waterfowl
• Release of Casualty Waterfowl
• Oil Spill: Species Identification and Special Considerations

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Wing has primaries dark grey-brown, outer secondaries black, inner secondaries white forming black and white speculum, with chestnut upper wing coverts. Tertials long, pointed, grey.

Eclipse: similar to female but fewer markings and greyer dorsally; wing colours remain.

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.)

• London: In the London Area, "local breeding resident and common winter visitor." In 2000, there were about 2,500 birds present in January and about 1,300 in December. Sites on which tens to hundreds of birds were seen included Rainham Marsh, The Wetland Centre (WWT) at Barnes, various reservoirs etc. In Inner London, smaller numbers are seen (e.g. two birds at Regent's Park in March, up to five during the summer in Buckingham Palace and two pairs breeding). (J322.65.w1)

Northernmost birds migrate to lower latitudes, others sedentary.

Wintering areas include north and east Africa, India, Burma, Thailand, eastern China, Japan, Hawaiian Islands, southern Mexico, Gulf coast, Florida, Greater Antilles and Bahamas.

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Introduced as a breeding bird in Britain in the nineteenth century, but the population has increased as this encouraged wild birds to stay (B38).

Habitat

Occasionally on coasts in winter.

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Widespread and locally abundant. Not threatened (B1).

• This species is listed on Schedule 2 - Part I (Birds which may be killed or taken outside the close season, 1 February to 31 August except where indicated otherwise: Notes on the revised schedules state "NOTE: The close season for ducks and geese when below high water mark is 21 February to 31 August") of the LUK2 - Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 of the United Kingdom. (W5.Oct01)

Captive Populations

Trade