ID Keys: Male distinctive with green and rust colored head, white
throat, finely barred body plumage, sickle-shaped feathers covering
rear flanks
The
Falcated Duck, also known as the Falcated Teal, is a dabbling duck normally
found in eastern Asia. However, vagrants have been found in North
America on rare occasions, with individual birds spotted in the Aleutian
Islands and in scattered locations near the west coast of the United States.
The species is listed as "near-threatened" by the IUCN. Hunting of the
species on its wintering ground in China is cited as a primary reason for
declines in the species (IUCN).
Habitat
During the summer breeding season, found in wetlands and wetland margins around water bodies such as lowland lakes and ponds. They use similar habitat in winter, but can also occasionally be found in saltwater estuaries and lagoons.
Diet
Primarily feeds on aquatic vegetation, but will also feed on aquatic insects and their larvae, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Behavior
Dabbling duck, feeding by dabbling just below the water's surface, or by upending with the head under water.
Song
Male Falcated Ducks have a crisp low-pitched whistling note, while females have a rough quack .
Migration
Strongly migratory, with birds breeding in northern China, Japan, and southeastern Russia. Falcated Ducks winter in portions of southeastern Asia.
Interactive eBird Map
Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Falcated Duck sightings
Similar Species
Distinctive plumage if seen well, most similar to Green-winged Teal.
Conservation Status
The Falcated Duck is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN . They have a large native range in Asia, but have declined rapidly in parts of their range, especially China.
Photo Information
Photo taken by Tony Hisgett - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License
