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.w4, B7, B29, B30, B40, B94, B96, B97, B129
D1, D8

Other References

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

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Seaducks

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Diving Ducks (D1)

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Seaducks are generally winter-hardy and sociable. They are preferably kept on a large area of clean, cold, deep water, at least some of which (preferably half the area) should be more than 60cm and preferably more than1m deep. As with other diving ducks, most species are relatively ungainly on land and ponds should have shallow sloping banks. Some cover along the pond edges will generally be appreciated. Preferred nesting sites vary greatly within this group, from open ground nesting to thick vegetation and tree holes.
• Diets of grain, pellets fish and seafood may be used, also bread.  These ducks generally need a higher-protein diet than most waterfowl species and high-protein pelleted diets specifically designed for seaducks are now available, although supplementation with fish may still be important particularly for breeding. Feeding in troughs containing stones may avoid the development of overgrown bills. Provision of salt water may decrease the incidence of fungal and other infections.
• Ducklings may be given high-protein starter crumbs and live food, and provided with access to deep water for swimming from an early age.

(B7, B29, B40, B94, B129, D1)

Species-specific information:

• Clean, deep (1m plus), preferably running water is important, with natural food present to supplement the artificial diet if possible. Wheat, pellets (e.g. trout pellets and breeder pellets) and animal material, such as insectivorous food has been recommended previously in the absence of specialized diets.
• These ducks have not been considered easy to breed, although they are bred regularly in some collections. A raised nest box should be provided and seclusion, with disturbance at the nest avoided. The preferred nest box is a hollowed out log, 2-3 feet (60-90cm) high, provided with a roof, nesting material and a ramp leading to a 3 inch (7.5cm) diameter entrance hole about 23cm from the top. The prepared log may be set on a pole over water, or on an island or on the bank near the water. Nest boxes should be available from as early as mid-February to allow for laying which may start in early March (J23.13.w4) or may not occur until April or May. Ducklings are considered delicate and may be difficult to raise; a single duckling should be provided with companions e.g. of a teal species.. Livefood should be provided to encourage feeding, and force-feeding (1ml every four hours) may be required initially.

(J23.13.w4, (J23.13.w8, B29, B30, B96, B97).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average ring size: H 8.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Eclipse:- similar to female but head blackish with larger white patch than female, and wing pattern remains (B3, B6, B25, B26)

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Deserted by female about fledging time, sometimes earlier (B8)

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

North America from central and southern Alaska eastward through central Canada to Hudson Bay and great Lakes, and southward to south British Columbia, northern Washington, north Montana, southern Canada, locally south in Californian mountains (B1, B19).

Migratory. Winter along Pacific coast from Aleutian Islands and Alaska to Mexico, across southern USA along Gulf coast and Atlantic coast north to New England and inland on open waters, also Greater Antilles (B1, B19).

Short moult-migration by males, to sites within breeding range (B3, B8, B25, B26).

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Fairly common (B1, B8)

Captive Populations

Trade