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, 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:

• Laysan ducks (Laysan teal) are easy-going with a friendly personality; they are suitable for mixed collections.The enclosure should contain water, loafing areas and cover. Feed with wheat, pellets, greenfood, grass, bread.
• This duck breeds well in captivity; they normally lay end of April to June, ground-level nest boxes and good close ground cover should be provided for breeding. The ducklings may be parent or hand reared. 

(B29, B30, B40, B94, B96).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average ring size: J 9.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Tail sometimes has upcurled central feathers. Wing has green secondaries with black subterminal band and white tips.

Older birds: White on head tends to increase with age.

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.)

Laysan Island (western Hawaiian island).

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Small population on Laysan, sometimes exceeding 500 but with reductions due to storms and severe drought. Whole population may have descended from one female. (B8). May be considered Critically Endangered (B44.9.w1).

Destruction of vegetation by introduced rabbits was a major factor in the severe decline of this population early in the 20^th Century (B8).

Captive Populations

Trade