View allAll Photos Tagged Anseriformes
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Anas acuta | [UK] Northern Pintail | [FR] Canard pilet | [DE] Spießente | [ES] Ánade Rabudo | [IT] Codone comune | [NL] Pijlstaart
spanwidth min.: 79 cm
spanwidth max.: 87 cm
size min.: 51 cm
size max.: 62 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 22 days
incubation max.: 24 days
fledging min.: 40 days
fledging max.: 45 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 7
eggs max.: 10
Physical characteristics
Slightly bigger than a mallard, these long-necked and small-headed ducks fly with a curved back pointed wings and a tapering tail, making this the best way to distinguish them from other ducks. The drake Pintail is perhaps the most handsome of our ducks, the very epitome of grace and elegance. His most distinctive identification feature is the wavy white stripe extending up the side of his otherwise brown neck, but birds with their necks hidden can still be told by their white chests, grey bodies, black and yellow undertails and of course, the long spiky tails. The female Pintail lacks the colourful plumage and the tail spike but are still unmistakably elegant, with slender, almost swan-like necks, small plain heads and long slim grey bills. In flight the Pintail looks distinctively slender thanks mainly to their long necks and long pointed tails. In both male and female, it is the white trailing edge to the speculum which is most conspicuous.
Northern Pintails are wary, especially during their flightless stage in late summer, when they are highly secretive. They will forage on land, but find most of their food by dabbling in shallow, muddy water.
Habitat
Small lakes, rivers and shallow freshwater marshes, with dense vegetaion in open country. In winter on coastal lagoons of brackish waters.
Other details
Anas acuta is a widespread breeder in much of northern and parts of central Europe, which accounts for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is large (>320,000 pairs), but underwent a large decline between 1970-1990. Although it was stable or increased across much of its European range during 1990-2000, the stronghold population in Russia continued to decline, and the species underwent a moderate decline (>10%) overall.
This duck is breeding in northern Eurasia and North America. For practical reasons its populations of the European Union can be subdivided in two distinct sub-populations, separated by their wintering quarters. The first, totalling about 60000 individuals, is wintering in the Atlantic regions from Denmark to the British Isles and Aquitaine. The second population is estimated at 1200000 individuals. It winters around the Mediterranean and in West Africa. These two populations are not strictly separated and many birds are shifting from one to the other. Nevertheless this species is declining in western Europe, fluctuating in Central Europe and the Mediterranean.
Widespread and common throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, the Northern Pintail is probably one of the most numerous species of duck worldwide. Numbers in North America vary a great deal from year to year, although some surveys have recorded significant, long-term declines since the 1960s. Predators and farming operations destroy many thousands of Northern Pintail nests each year. Farming has also affected nesting habitat. Pintails appear to be responding to new conservation practices, however, including habitat restoration and tighter restrictions on hunting, and numbers seem to be increasing. If these practices are maintained, Northern Pintails should be able to maintain a healthy population in North America.
Feeding
Aquatic plants and crop vegetative, leaves, stems, roots and seeds. Many terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, amphibians and some small fish in spring and summer. Feeds by dabbling, upending and head-dipping in shallow water. Sometimes grazes on dry land.
Conservation
This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 10,000,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 6,100,000-7,500,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2002). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
Pairing begins on the wintering grounds and continues through spring migration. Northern Pintails are among the earliest nesters, and arrive on the breeding grounds as soon as they are free of ice (egg laying from november-march) in single pairs or loose groups. The nest is located on dry ground in short vegetation. It is usually near water, but may be up to half a mile away from the nearest body of water. Pintail nests are often more exposed than other ducks' nests. The nest is a shallow depression, built by the female and made of grass, twigs, or leaves, lined with down. Incubation of the 6 to 10 eggs lasts from 21 to 25 days and is done by the female alone. The pair bond dissolves shortly after the female begins incubation, when the males gather in flocks to molt. Within a few hours of hatching, the young follow the female from the nest site. They can feed themselves, but the female continues to tend them until they fledge at 38 to 52 days. In the far north where continuous daylight allows for round-the-clock feeding, the young develop faster. Sexual maturity is reached after one year.
Migration
Highly migratory. Breeders from Iceland winter mainly Britain and Ireland. Breeding populations of north Russia east to north-west Siberia, Fenno-Scandia, and Baltic migrate south-west to winter in the Netherlands and British Isles, movement from former to latter in hard weather. Vast population breeding from Belarus and Russia east to West Siberia winter in Mediterranean and Black Sea areas, and probably West Africa. Major movements away from moult areas and breeding grounds mid-August to early September. Early passage through Europe in August, peak movements mid-September to November, males preceding females due to earlier moult. Further movements under weather influence at any time during winter. Departures from West Africa begin February, from west Europe late February or March; reach tundras late May. Major flyways tend to follow coasts, normally relatively small numbers inland central Europe.
Pretty harsh light here but I like the Beagle Boys looking so serious. I watched this family for a while. Out in the deeper water the ducklings all practised diving. Occasionally when both parents dived the little ones looked so alarmed.
VIDEO @= flic.kr/p/25ZMegU
Twelve males displaying to a single female
Skerries Co.Dublin 22-03-2018
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Melanitta nigra | [UK] Common Scoter | [FR] Macreuse noire | [DE] Trauerente | [ES] Negrón común | [IT] Orchetto marino | [NL] Zwarte Zee-eend | [IRL] Scótar
spanwidth min.: 130 cm
spanwidth max.: 155 cm
size min.: 48 cm
size max.: 58 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 27 days
incubation max.: 29 days
fledging min.: 0 days
fledging max.: 0 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 10
eggs max.: 12
There has been a decline in breeding numbers since the 1970s - 96 pairs were estimated in 1995 and 80 in 1999. Eutrophication of the waters has reduced the species’ food supply which has resulted in poor productivity and juvenile survival. Mink predation has also had a considerable impact during the breeding season, and incubating females have been most vulnerable. However, in recent decades, it has been suggested that birds may be redistributing to other large lakes in western and central Ireland.
Status: Resident and winter visitor from the Continentto all Irish coasts between October and April.
Conservation Concern: Red-listed due to its declining breeding population. The European population has been evaluated as Secure.
Identification: Medium-sized, plump duck usually seen in large flocks offshore. At closer range, males with yellow knob at base of bill. All dark plumage, with no white on the wing. Males black, females sooty brown with paler cheeks.
Similar Species: Velvet Scoter and other ducks.
Call: Soft piping 'pju'.
Diet: During the summer the diet is varied and includes water plants, insect larvae and freshwater crustaceans. During the winter, they forage mostly in waters less than 20 m deep and with coarse sandy substrates. They feed predominantly on benthic bivalve molluscs.
Breeding: First recorded breeding in Ireland in the beginning of the 20th century at Lower Lough Erne. Numbers increased steadily - up to 150 pairs were estimated during the late 1960s. They nest on islands with dense covering of scrub and tree cover. The breedding population has declined since due to the increase in Mink, which predate the nests and young.
Wintering: Common Scoter are almost entirely marine during the winter, and tend to congregate in large flocks on shallow seas with sandy bottoms supporting their preferred prey.
Where to See: Wexford Bay in County Wexford, Castlemaine Harbour & Rossbehy in County Kerry, Brandon Bay - Inner Brandon Bay in County Kerry, Donegal Bay in County Donegal and from Ben Head to Skerries on the east coast are among the best wintering sites, supporting 800-4,500 birds.
Physical characteristics
Black Scoters are large, mostly black or dark gray sea ducks. Formerly called the Common Scoter, the Black Scoter is the least common of the three scoters. Adult males are solid black with a bulbous yellow knob on an otherwise black bill. Females and juveniles are dark gray, lighter on the cheek with a dark cap. Their bills are dark and lack the knob found in adult males.
Scoters spend the non-breeding part of the year in large flocks on the ocean. Black Scoters forage by diving and swimming under water, propelled by their feet. They usually feed in areas of open water, avoiding dense submergent or emergent vegetation. They swallow their prey under water, unless it is large or bulky. They are strong fliers, but must get a running start on the water to get airborne.
Habitat
The breeding range of the Black Scoter is at the edge of the northern forest or in the treeless tundra, where they breed on small, shallow lakes, ponds, sloughs, and river banks with tall grasses to conceal nests. In winter, they can be found on coastal bays and along coastlines, usually in shallow water within a mile of shore.
Rogerstown Estuary / Turvey Nature Reserve 07-03-2021
[order] ANSERIFORMES | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Branta bernicla | [UK] Brant Goose | [FR] Bernache cravant | [DE] Ringelgans | [ES] Barnacla de Cara Negra | [NL] Rotgans |
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 105 cm
spanwidth max.: 117 cm
size min.: 55 cm
size max.: 62 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 24 days
incubation max.: 26 days
fledging min.: 36 days
fledging max.: 26 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 6
eggs max.: 10
Light-bellied Brent Goose
Branta bernicla hrota
Cadhan
This population winters almost entirely in Ireland, with small numbers in parts of Britain and France.
Status: Winter migrant from high-Arctic Canada. Most occur in Ireland between October and April.
Conservation Concern: Amber-listed as the majority winter at less than ten sites. The Irish population is also internationally significant, another amber listing criterion. The European population has been evaluated as Vulnerable as several important populations declined.
Identification: Small dark goose, with a black head, neck and breast, and dark-brown upperparts and pale underparts. Almost whitish flanks, and small white crescent on the upperparts of the neck visible at close range.
Similar Species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Black Brant, Barnacle Goose
Call: Gutteral 'rhut, rhut'
Diet: During the winter, it feeds mostly on eel-grass, which grows on muddy estuaries, and also on grasslands, usually when coastal supplies have been depleted at estuarine sites.
Breeding: Nests in small, loose colonies by coastal tundra, with pools and small inlets.
Wintering: Mostly found on coastal estuaries during the autumn and early winter, and also on grasslands from mid-winter, until departure for the breeding grounds begins in late April.
Where to See: Highest numbers (c. 30,000) are seen at Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland in October, where most congregate on arrival. Thereafter, they move to other estuarine sites. Lough Foyle in County Derry, Dublin Bay in County Dublin, Tralee Bay, Lough Gill & Akeragh Lough in County Kerry, Rogerstown Estuary in County Dublin, Wexford Harbour & Slobs in County Wexford are other well-used sites (1,000-3,500 birds).
Physical characteristics
The Brant is similar in appearance to the Canada Goose, but smaller and darker. The adult has a gray belly and breast, white rump, and black neck and head with a thin white necklace and no chin-strap.
Fast fliers with swept-back wings, Brant are usually found in a flock. They forage while wading, dabbling in shallow water, or while walking on mudflats or the shore. They display strong site-fidelity to both their wintering and nesting areas.
Habitat
Brant are almost exclusively coastal in their range and are found in shallow bays and saltwater marshes. They nest in the wet, coastal tundra of the high Arctic. Their winter habitat is closely tied to the occurrence of sea grasses and marine algae.
Other details
Branta bernicla is a rare breeder in the European Arctic, but winters mainly in coastal areas of western Europe, which accounts for less than half of its global wintering range. Its European wintering population is large (>240,000 individuals), and increased between 1970-1990. Although a few populations increased or were broadly stable during 1990-2000, key wintering populations (of the subspecies B. b. bernicla) in the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands declined, and the species underwent a large decline (>30%) overall.
This goose is breeding on the arctic coasts of Eurasia and North America, mainly on small islets protected from polar foxes (Alopex lagopus). It winters along the temperate Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The birds visiting the European Union belong to three different populations (Scott & Rose). The first population, estimated at 20000 individuals, comprises the white-bellied birds of the race hrota, breeding in Greenland and northern Canada and wintering in Ireland. The second population, estimated at 5000 individuals, comprises the birds of the race hrota breeding on Svalbard and wintering in Denmark and north-eastern England. The third population, estimated at 300000 individuals, comprises the dark-bellied birds of the nominate race, breeding along the Russian coasts and wintering in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, south-western England and France. All three populations have undergone important fluctuations. The nominate race has experienced a 90% decline during the 1930s following a disease of its foodplant, Zostera marina. It has started to recover since the 1950s, and the increase is still in progress. The populations of Canada and Greenland have increased since the 1960s and seem currently to be stable. The population of Svalbard dropped from about 40000-50000 to a mere 2000 at the end of the 1960s, not only because of the disease of Zostera but also because of non sustainable hunting. Since the 1970s it has recovered
Feeding
Historically, Brant fed almost exclusively on eelgrass, which is still strongly preferred when available. Now they also forage on grasslands and have been able to diversify their diet in the absence of eelgrass, although their range is still closely tied to eelgrass. Brant also eat some aquatic invertebrates.
Conservation
This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence 30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is very large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
Long-term pair bonds usually form on the wintering grounds. Nesting occurs in loose colonies, on small islands in tundra ponds. The breeding range of the Brant is typically within five miles of the coast. The nest is a shallow bowl of grass and other vegetation, lined with down. The female incubates 3 to 5 eggs for 22 to 24 days. The young leave the nest within a day of hatching, and both parents continue to tend them and lead them to sources of food. During the long days of the high-Arctic summer, the young feed at all hours, and grow quickly. They fledge at 40 to 50 days, but stay with the parents through the first migration.
Migration
Single wholly migratory population. Depart Russian tundras mid-August to 1st week September. Main route west along arctic coasts to White Sea, then overland to Gulfs of Finland and Bothnia. Passage through Baltic mid-September to early October; first arrivals Denmark late September but bulk October. Some stay Denmark and western Germany through November before moving on in colder weather; others go straight to winter quarters in Netherlands, south-east England, and west France, where peak numbers December-February. Return passage begins early March; most leave England and France by mid-April. Spring gatherings in Netherlands, Denmark and western Germany until main departures in mid-May; only stragglers after mid-June.
Greylag Goose,
Order - Anseriformes, Family - Anatidae, Species, - Anser anser,
Of all grey geese, the Grey lag ( the direct ancestor of the domestic goose ) most resembles the farmyard goose.
It is also the most easily seen grey goose in the UK because it has been introduced in many lowland areas where sizeable flocks are now semi-tame and resident all year round.
Winter visitors are still wild and shy.
In much of eastern and central Europe, the Greylag is naturally resident in extensive marshes,
Voice, - Loud, clattering, and honking notes like farmyard bird, ahng-ahng-ahng,kang-ank,
Nesting, - Sparsely lined ground nest, often on island; 4 - 6 eggs; 1 brood; May - June.
Feeding, - Grazes; plucks-grass and cereal shoots, digs for roots and waste grain,
Length, - 74 - 84 cm ( 29 - 33 in ),
Wingspan, - 1.49 - 1.68 m ( 5f - 5f 6in ),
Weight - 2.9 - 3.7kg,
Lifespan, - 15 - 20 years,
Social - Flocks,
Status, - Secure,.
04-05-2019 New Jersey USA
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Aix sponsa | [UK] Wood Duck | [FR] Canard branchu | [DE] Brautente | [ES] Pato de la Florida | [IT] Anatra sposa | [NL] Carolinaeend
Songs and Calls
Female, loud wooo-eeek!; male, softer jeee? or ter-weeeee?
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 70 cm
spanwidth max.: 73 cm
size min.: 47 cm
size max.: 54 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 31 days
incubation max.: 35 days
fledging min.: 56 days
fledging max.: 70 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 9
eggs max.: 14
Physical characteristics
Wood Ducks are intermediate in size, between the Mallard and Blue-winged Teal; on average, males weigh 680 g and females weigh 460 g. From a distance, the male Wood Duck on the water appears as a dark-bodied, dark-breasted, light-flanked duck with a striped crested head and a light-coloured throat. At close range, its iridescent plumage, red eyes, and black, red, and white bill are conspicuous. A white eye-ring, light-coloured throat, and fine crest distinguish the female from both the male Wood Duck and females of other species. Both sexes usually show a downward pointing crest at the back of the head, and their long broad square tails are distinctive features in flight.
The wings of Wood Ducks are highly characteristic. The primary wing feathers, which are the 10 outermost flight feathers attached to the wing beyond the wrist, are dark in colour. The outer vanes of these feathers look as if they have been sprayed with aluminum paint. The Wood Duck is the only North American duck so marked.
In most cases it is possible to distinguish immature from mature ducks and to tell males from females by their wings alone. In the Wood Duck, as in other ducks, the feathers of that year's young are finer, more pointed and worn, and less colourful than those of adults. Females show a few small feathers on the upper surface of the wing that are purplish and have the same lustre as oil on water. These feathers are absent in males. The white tips on the feathers along the trailing edge of the wing are usually teardrop-shaped in the female, but either straight or V-shaped in the male. By studying the wings of ducks taken by hunters, biologists can determine the ratio of young to adult ducks in the population and thereby measure waterfowl production.
The Wood Duck is a distinctively North American species. Its only close relative is the Mandarin Duck of eastern Asia. Evidently the Wood Duck originated in North America, as fossil remains have been found only in widely scattered locations in the eastern part of the continent.
Habitat
Like other perching ducks, Wood Ducks nest in trees. Preferred nesting sites are holes in hollow trunks or large branches that result from broken limbs, fire scars, lightning and logging damage. They also use cavities created by large woodpeckers such as the Pileated Woodpecker. Nests are situated from 1 to 15 m above ground, in trees more than 40 cm in diameter. They are usually found close to water, although females sometimes select trees some distance from water.
Other details
In Canada, the Wood Duck nests in scattered locations in the southern parts of all provinces; however, there is only one breeding record for Newfoundland and Labrador. The most extensive breeding ranges are in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and British Columbia. This duck occurs over a much wider area in late summer and early autumn, as a result of post-breeding dispersal. Although most Wood Ducks migrate to the United States, a few may spend the winter in extreme southern Ontario and southeastern British Columbia.
The Wood Duck is much more widely distributed in the United States, where it nests in areas east of the Mississippi River, along the lower Missouri River into South Dakota, in eastern Texas, along the Pacific coast, and in a few other places. It winters mainly along the Atlantic coast from New York south, along the Gulf coast into central Texas, to the lower Mississippi River valley and western California. A few winter in Mexico south to Distrito Federal. In Europe all sightings are of escaped birds.
Feeding
The Wood Duck is mainly a herbivore, or vegetarian, with plant foods making up about 90 percent of its diet. Foods vary according to their local availability, but duckweeds, cypress seeds, sedges, grasses, pondweeds, and acorns are among the more important foods throughout North America. In recent years corn has assumed a greater importance as small groups of Wood Ducks engage in field feeding behaviour similar to that of dabbling ducks, such as Mallards.
Ducklings require a high protein diet for rapid growth. Invertebrates such as dragonflies, bugs, beetles, and spiders are important foods during the first few weeks of life, so high populations of these small creatures are essential in habitats where the young will hatch and develop.
Conservation
This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 6,200,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 3,500,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2002). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
The female Wood Duck breeds when one year old. She lines the nest with down, or fine feathers, taken from her breast, and lays eight to 15 dull-white to cream-coloured eggs. She incubates, or keeps the eggs warm, for 28 to 30 days until they hatch. During unusually cold weather, or if the female is away from the nest for an abnormally long time, incubation may require a few extra days.
Upon hatching, usually in June in eastern Canada, the young use their sharp claws to climb up the inside of the nesting cavity to its entrance, then jump and flutter to the ground, generally landing unharmed. The female guides them to the nearest water, where they will spend the next eight to nine weeks hunting for food together.
Shortly after the female begins incubation the male loses interest in family affairs and spends more time away from the nest. He joins other males, which eventually form large groups. As mid-summer approaches, the males begin the move to remote, undisturbed, sheltered places to moult, or shed old feathers. To reach these areas, they may travel great distances; many thousands migrate to southeastern Canada from breeding grounds in the northern states. On arrival the moult begins, and by August the brilliant spring feathers of the male have been replaced by a plumage similar to that of the female. Then, all at once, the flight feathers are moulted, leaving the male flightless for approximately four weeks while new feathers grow in.
Soon after the ducklings have fledged, or taken their first flight, usually by mid-August in eastern Canada, the females leave their broods, move a short distance, and undergo their moult. Like the males, they too seek out remote, undisturbed swamps and marshes and become flightless for a short period.
In late summer and early autumn, the young with their newly acquired powers of flight and the adults with their recently replaced flight feathers move in a leisurely way about the northern parts of their range. Their principal concern is to store up energy, in the form of fat, in preparation for the soon-to-come fall migration.
Migration
Wood Ducks migrate north to their Canadian breeding grounds, arriving there by April. Pair formation may occur on the wintering grounds before or during spring migration, or on the breeding grounds if one of the pair is lost. Mated pairs seek out secluded swamps or beaver ponds that provide water, nesting sites, brooding habitat, and feeding areas. Females often return to the same general area in which they were hatched.
By the first severe frost, usually in late September or early October in eastern Canada, Wood Ducks begin to head for the southeastern United States. Southern populations of Wood Ducks, particularly females, are less migratory. Populations in the interior of British Columbia migrate to the west coast, whereas Wood Ducks that live on the coast do not migrate at all. Has occurred Bermuda (regular), Azores and Alaska. Many sightings from Europe, presumed escapes.
Ordem (Order): Anseriformes
Família (Family): Anatidae
Nome popular (Popular Name): Pato-mandarim (Mandarin duck)
Nome científico (Scientific Name): Aix galericulata
Distribuição geográfica (Geographical Distribution): nidificam no sudeste da Rússia, no nordeste da China e no norte do Japão [são residentes nas ilhas centrais e do sul do Japão]; invernam no sudeste da China e na Coreia do Sul; foram introduzidos no sul de Inglaterra (nesting in south-eastern Russia, northeastern China and northern Japan [they are residents in central and southern islands of Japan]; wintering in southeast China and South Korea; were introduced in southern England)
Habitat: vive em ambientes aquáticos de água doce e nas proximidades de florestas temperadas de folha caduca (lives in freshwater aquatic environments and nearby temperate deciduous forests)
Hábitos alimentares (Food habits): sementes, plantas aquáticas, caracóis, insetos e peixes (seeds, aquatic plants, snails, insects and fish)
É uma das espécies mais bonitas de palmípedes, originária da China.
O pato-mandarim é monógamo. Como todo palmípedes, gosta muito de água. Três de seus dedos são ligados pela membrana natatória e apenas um é livre, o que o ajuda a nadar perfeitamente.
Acostumado a dormir em cima d'água, esse tipo de ave possui as penas do corpo impermeáveis. Nunca fica molhado porque sua penugem forma uma espécie de couraça.
It is one of the most beautiful web-footed species, originating in China.
The Mandarin duck is monogamous. Like all web-footed, he likes water. Three of his fingers are connected by the swimming membrane and only one is free, which helps to swim perfectly.
Used to sleeping on top of water, this type of bird has waterproof feathers in his body. He never gets wet because his feathers form a kind of armor.
Photo Equipment: Sony DSC-H7 / Sony VF-74CP Circular PL Filter
Orden:Anseriformes
Familia:Anatidae
Subfamilia:Anatinae
Género:Amazonetta
Nombres comunes: Pato brasileño, pato cutirí o pato aliverde Alita azul, Cerceta Brasileña, Patillo, Pato cutirí
Nombre cientifico:Amazonetta brasiliensis
Nombre ingles :Brazilian Teal
Lugar de captura: El Palmar, Entre Rios, Argentina
Por: Cimarron mayor Panta
Mute Swan, Order Anseriformes, Family Anatidae, Species Cygnus olor,..
A large, familiar bird, strikingly white and obvious even at great range, Mute Swan is generally quite tame, even semi-domesticated in its behaviour and choice of habitat.
Territorial pairs are aggressive, even to people or their dogs, using impressive displays of arched wings and loud, hissing calls.
In some floodplains, small groups regularly feed on dry land, a habit that is more consistent with the two " wild swans ", Bewick's and Whooper,
Voice - Strangled trumpeting and hissing notes,
Nesting - Huge pile of vegetation at water's edge; up to 8 eggs; 1 brood; March - June.
Feeding - Plucks vegetable matter from short grass in fields and salt marshes, pulls the same from shallow water, or upends in deeper water,..
Length 1.4 - 1.6m,
Wingspan - 2,08 - 2.38m,
Weight - 10 - 12kg,
Lifespan - 15 - 20 years,
Social - Small flocks,
Status - Secure,...
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Aythya ferina | [UK] Pochard | [FR] Fuligule milouin | [DE] Tafelente | [ES] Porrón Euroasiático | [IT] Moriglione eurasiatico | [NL] Tafeleend | [IRL] Póiseard cíordhearg
spanwidth min.: 67 cm
spanwidth max.: 75 cm
size min.: 42 cm
size max.: 49 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 24 days
incubation max.: 28 days
fledging min.: 50 days
fledging max.: 55 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 8
eggs max.: 15
Status: Scarce summer visitor and widespread winter migrant - most occur between October & February.
Conservation Concern: Amber-listed due to its small breeding population, as well as its localised wintering (< ten sites). The European population has been evaluated as Declining due to a moderate ongoing decline.
Identification: Medium sized, males with chestnut head and neck, black breast, grey flanks and black rump. Females duller grey-brown, with chestnut/pale brown breast, pale loral patch, eye ring and line behinde the eye.
Similar Species: Other ducks.
Call: Mostly silent. Males have characteristic wheezing cut off by a nasal short 'aaaooochaa(e)'.
Diet: Diving ducks - Diet consists largely of plant material. Inland, they feed predominantly on the spores and occasionally on the vegetative parts of aquatic plants.
Breeding: Nests on the ground among waterside vegetation.
Wintering: Show a preference for large shallow eutrophic waters, particularly those with well-vegetated marshes and swamps and slow flowing rivers.
Where to see: Loughs Neagh & Beg in County Antrim and Lough Corrib in County Galway support almost 25,000 birds and 12,000 birds respectively. Lough Derravaragh in County Westmeath, Lough Ennell in County Westmeath and Lough Kinale & Derragh Lough in County Longford are other important wintering sites (1,000- 3,000 birds).
Physical characteristics
The pochard is a stocky diving duck, smaller than a mallard. The male is pale grey with a rusty red head and neck, and a black breast and tail. The female is brown with a dark head and blotchy cheeks. In flight, birds show a pale grey wing-stripe.
Habitat
Vegetated swamps, marshes, lakes and slow flowing rivers with areas of open water. In winter, opten on larger lakes, brackish coastal lagoons and tidal estuaries.
Other details
This duck inhabits a major part of temperate Eurasia, from the British Isles to Mongolia. During the last decades it has extended its distribution westwards and south-westwards. It is now breeding regularly in small numbers in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Spain. The birds of the European Union winter partly from Denmark to the British Isles and Bretagne; partly in Central Europe and the Mediterranean. Its is unlikely however that these birds have a different origin. Only for practical reasons they are considered as belonging to distinct populations. The birds wintering in north-western Europe are amounting to 350000 individuals; those of the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and Central Europe are estimated at 1000000 individuals (Scott & Rose). A few thousands of individuals of this last population reach sub-Saharan Africa. After an increase in numbers and an extension in distribution, the West European population seems currently to be somewhat declining. The trends of the East European populations, visiting e. g. Greece, are less well known but seem also to indicate some decline. In the western Mediterranean this decline is estimated at 70% during the last 20 years
Feeding
Green part of aquatic plants and grass , leaves, stems, roots and seeds. Occasionally aquatic invertebrates and insects amphibians and small fish. Feeds by diving, upending head-dipping and dabbling also filters mud on shore.
Conservation
This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 1,000,000-10,000,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 2,500,000-3,800,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2002). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
Egg-laying begins mainly May, in all areas. Nest is build on ground close to water (usually within 10 m), in thick cover, or in water, built up above surface, in dense reeds and rushes. Nest is build on a platform, with shallow cup of reed stems, leaves, and other vegetation. Clutch size is 8-10, but ranging from 4-22 over 15 probably always 2 females sharing nest. Incubation lasts 24-28 days and the young fledge after 50-55 days.
Migration
Partially migratory; present throughout year in temperate regions (e.g. Central and NW Europe) but northernmost populations winter in Mediterranean basins, sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, SW USSR, Indian Subcontinent, SE Asia and Japan. Vagrant to Faeroes, Azores, Canary and Cape Verde Is; also to Philippines, Guam and Hawaii.
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Mergus merganser | [UK] Goosander | [FR] Grand Harle | [DE] Gänsesäger | [ES] Serreta Grande | [IT] Smergo maggiore | [NL] Grote Zaagbek | [IRL] Síolta mhór
spanwidth min.: 78 cm
spanwidth max.: 94 cm
size min.: 58 cm
size max.: 68 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 30 days
incubation max.: 32 days
fledging min.: 60 days
fledging max.: 70 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 5
eggs max.: 15
Status: Resident at larger lakes in Counties Wicklow and Donegal. Rare winter visitor throughout Ireland.
Conservation Concern: Amber-listed in Ireland, due to its small breeding population. The European population has been assessed as Secure.
Identification: Large, long-bodied, with a long narrow red bill ending in a hook. Swimming birds often retract their long necks. Adult males largely white with glossy green-black neck and head. Back largely black. Females with dark red-brown head, though with a white throat patch, greyish body.
Similar Species: Red-breasted Merganser.
Call: Male call is deep muffled 'krroo-krraa'.
Diet: Goosanders feed largely on small and medium sized fish, and occasionally larger fish such as Pike.
Breeding: Breed on freshwater lakes and pools and winter on large unfrozen lakes and brackish lagoons and occasionally on coastal estuaries. The most recent breeding records in Ireland come from County Wicklow, where one pair was confirmed breeding in 1994, and annual breeding has since been deemed likely, though not confirmed.
Wintering: Irish birds appear to be largely resident. Birds from Continental Europe can occasionally found along coastal areas in winter.
Where to See: Found on freshwater. Belfast Lough in County Down and Lough Tay & Dan in County Wicklow are the most regularly used wintering areas.
Physical characteristics
The long, narrow bill with serrated edges readily distinguishes mergansers from all other ducks. Common mergansers are among the largest ducks, but are less stocky than eiders and goldeneyes. In flight, they appear more elongated than other ducks, flying in trailing lines close to the water surface.
Male common mergansers have a greenish-black crested head and upper neck. The lower neck, breast, and underparts are creamy-white with a variable pink wash. They have black backs and upperwing coverts with white scapulars. The bill is red with a blackish culmen and nail. The legs and feet are deep red.
Female common mergansers have a tufted red-brown head that is clearly defined from the lower neck by a clear whitish chin. The back and sides are silver-gray and the breast and belly are white. The bill is red with a blackish culmen and nail. The legs and feet are deep red.
Habitat
Common mergansers nest in tree cavities, nest boxes, cliff crevices, and on the ground generally near clear water rivers in forested regions and mountainous terrain. They feed by diving underwater in marine and freshwater habitats.
Other details
This duck has a wide distribution in boreal and temperate regions of Eurasia and North America. It has also isolated populations in the mountainous regions of the Alps, the Caucasus and Tibet. Two populations inhabit or visit the European Union. One comprises the birds of northern and north-western Europe, wintering mainly in the Baltic Sea and around the North Sea. It amounts to about 200000 individuals, and seems stable. The birds of the British Isles are sedentary. They amount to about 5000-8000 individuals and increased during the last decades. The population of Central Europe (France, Germany) amounts to 3000 individuals. It is also sedentary and seems to be slightly increasing. A very small population is breeding in the Balkan Peninsula. It is estimated at not more than 11-32 breeding pairs, and its trends are unknown
Feeding
Common mergansers eat mainly fishes, amphibians, crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrates obtained by diving underwater in marine and freshwater habitats
Conservation
This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 10,000,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 450,000-1,400,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2002). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
Common mergansers breed from Alaska, the southern Yukon, Labrador, and Newfoundland south to central California, Arizona, New Mexico, southern Chihuahua, and, east of the Rockies, to Minnesota, Michigan, New York, New England, and Nova Scotia. Common mergansers nest in tree cavities, nest boxes, cliff crevices, and on the ground generally near clear water rivers in forested regions and mountainous terrain. Female common mergansers lay an average of 9 to 12 eggs.
Migration
Migratory and partially migratory. No evidence that any Icelandic breeders emigrate. Similarly, British breeders almost entirely resident, moving short distances (mainly within 150 km) from breeding waters to lakes and sheltered estuaries. No evidence that breeders of southernmost Scandinavia, north Germany, and Poland move further than western Baltic, but those breeding central and northern Scandinavia, Finland, Baltic States, and Russia east to Pechora migrate west to Baltic and beyond to Netherlands and Britain, in smaller numbers to west France and north Spain. In late August and early September, moulting and breeding waters often deserted as flocks build up on estuaries and shallow parts of some inland lakes. Mass departures not until advent of freezing; thus major movements through Russia and Baltic October and early November. Early arrivals in North Sea countries late October and early November, but no large numbers until December, while numbers build up on Black Sea and Sea of Azov from mid-October to mid-December. Return migration from early March and, apart from stragglers, non-breeding range vacated by mid-April.
Orden:Anseriformes
Familia:Anatidae
Género:Anas
NOMBRES COMUNES:Pato cuchareta,Cuchara Común, Cuchareta, Pato Chucara, pato chucharón-norteño, Pato Cuchara, Pato cuchara común, Pato Cuchareta, Pato Cucharo, pato cucharón norteño, Pato Cucharón-norteño, Pato pico de cuchara macho
Nombre cientifico: Spatula clypeata
Nombre ingles: Northern Shoveler male
Lugar de captura:
Por: Cimarron mayor Panta.
The kuruwhengi is quite ahrd to photograph. It is a shy duck, for the most aprt, avoids popular city ponds in favour of quieter waterways. It's a striking duck with a huge bill that seems almost too big for the head. The male is especially colourful.
Taken at otukaikino reserve, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Shovelers are specialist filter-feeding waterfowl with a large spoon-shaped or shovel-shaped bill that is almost twice as broad at its tip than at its base and which is the bird’s most conspicuous feature. Fine lamellae extend along most of the edge of the upper mandible and it is by pushing water through this lamellae curtain that small plankton and fine seeds are extracted.
Kuruwhengi are sexually dimorphic. The males are highly coloured most of the year, when they have a blue-grey head and neck with a distinctive white crescentic band at the base of its large spatulate black bill. The breast is a mottled brown and white after breeding but becomes progressively pure white as the nuptial moult proceeds during May. Its chestnut flank is offset by a large white patch at the tail base. The eye is yellow and the legs bright orange. Females are uniformly mottled light brown with dull brown bill and eye, and brown-orange legs. In flight Australasian shovelers have a distinctive profile with a conspicuously large, indeed out of proportion, bill, sharp pointed wings and very rapid wingbeats. The blue, white and green patches on the upper wing contrast with the white underwing. Their flight, especially at takeoff, gives off a distinctive whirring soun. Shovelers are quiet ducks. Displaying or defensive drakes have a rapid, but low volume, train-like sound (chuff-chuff) call, and females sometimes quack. Kuruwhengi are widespread throughout the North and South Islands, rarely on Stewart Island, mainly on large freshwater wetlands (usually fairly coastal), but occasionally in sheltered estuaries. They also make seasonal use of dune lakes, temporary wetlands, drains and sewage ponds.
Shovelers perform spectacular communal courting and then pairs break off to find a secluded territory for nesting which occurs in October, which is later than for all other waterfowl. Males vigorously defend territory. Nests are usually situated in long grass near water. Clutches are of 5-13 (mean 10) white eggs and upon hatching the ducklings are raised solely by the female over about 8 weeks. Broods are rarely active or conspicuous during the day. (Source: NZ Birds Online)
Rogerstown Estuary / Turvey Nature Reserve 17-03-2021
[order] ANSERIFORMES | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Branta bernicla | [UK] Brant Goose | [FR] Bernache cravant | [DE] Ringelgans | [ES] Barnacla de Cara Negra | [NL] Rotgans |
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 105 cm
spanwidth max.: 117 cm
size min.: 55 cm
size max.: 62 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 24 days
incubation max.: 26 days
fledging min.: 36 days
fledging max.: 26 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 6
eggs max.: 10
Light-bellied Brent Goose
Branta bernicla hrota
Cadhan
This population winters almost entirely in Ireland, with small numbers in parts of Britain and France.
Status: Winter migrant from high-Arctic Canada. Most occur in Ireland between October and April.
Conservation Concern: Amber-listed as the majority winter at less than ten sites. The Irish population is also internationally significant, another amber listing criterion. The European population has been evaluated as Vulnerable as several important populations declined.
Identification: Small dark goose, with a black head, neck and breast, and dark-brown upperparts and pale underparts. Almost whitish flanks, and small white crescent on the upperparts of the neck visible at close range.
Similar Species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Black Brant, Barnacle Goose
Call: Gutteral 'rhut, rhut'
Diet: During the winter, it feeds mostly on eel-grass, which grows on muddy estuaries, and also on grasslands, usually when coastal supplies have been depleted at estuarine sites.
Breeding: Nests in small, loose colonies by coastal tundra, with pools and small inlets.
Wintering: Mostly found on coastal estuaries during the autumn and early winter, and also on grasslands from mid-winter, until departure for the breeding grounds begins in late April.
Where to See: Highest numbers (c. 30,000) are seen at Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland in October, where most congregate on arrival. Thereafter, they move to other estuarine sites. Lough Foyle in County Derry, Dublin Bay in County Dublin, Tralee Bay, Lough Gill & Akeragh Lough in County Kerry, Rogerstown Estuary in County Dublin, Wexford Harbour & Slobs in County Wexford are other well-used sites (1,000-3,500 birds).
Physical characteristics
The Brant is similar in appearance to the Canada Goose, but smaller and darker. The adult has a gray belly and breast, white rump, and black neck and head with a thin white necklace and no chin-strap.
Fast fliers with swept-back wings, Brant are usually found in a flock. They forage while wading, dabbling in shallow water, or while walking on mudflats or the shore. They display strong site-fidelity to both their wintering and nesting areas.
Habitat
Brant are almost exclusively coastal in their range and are found in shallow bays and saltwater marshes. They nest in the wet, coastal tundra of the high Arctic. Their winter habitat is closely tied to the occurrence of sea grasses and marine algae.
Other details
Branta bernicla is a rare breeder in the European Arctic, but winters mainly in coastal areas of western Europe, which accounts for less than half of its global wintering range. Its European wintering population is large (>240,000 individuals), and increased between 1970-1990. Although a few populations increased or were broadly stable during 1990-2000, key wintering populations (of the subspecies B. b. bernicla) in the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands declined, and the species underwent a large decline (>30%) overall.
This goose is breeding on the arctic coasts of Eurasia and North America, mainly on small islets protected from polar foxes (Alopex lagopus). It winters along the temperate Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The birds visiting the European Union belong to three different populations (Scott & Rose). The first population, estimated at 20000 individuals, comprises the white-bellied birds of the race hrota, breeding in Greenland and northern Canada and wintering in Ireland. The second population, estimated at 5000 individuals, comprises the birds of the race hrota breeding on Svalbard and wintering in Denmark and north-eastern England. The third population, estimated at 300000 individuals, comprises the dark-bellied birds of the nominate race, breeding along the Russian coasts and wintering in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, south-western England and France. All three populations have undergone important fluctuations. The nominate race has experienced a 90% decline during the 1930s following a disease of its foodplant, Zostera marina. It has started to recover since the 1950s, and the increase is still in progress. The populations of Canada and Greenland have increased since the 1960s and seem currently to be stable. The population of Svalbard dropped from about 40000-50000 to a mere 2000 at the end of the 1960s, not only because of the disease of Zostera but also because of non sustainable hunting. Since the 1970s it has recovered
Feeding
Historically, Brant fed almost exclusively on eelgrass, which is still strongly preferred when available. Now they also forage on grasslands and have been able to diversify their diet in the absence of eelgrass, although their range is still closely tied to eelgrass. Brant also eat some aquatic invertebrates.
Conservation
This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence 30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is very large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
Long-term pair bonds usually form on the wintering grounds. Nesting occurs in loose colonies, on small islands in tundra ponds. The breeding range of the Brant is typically within five miles of the coast. The nest is a shallow bowl of grass and other vegetation, lined with down. The female incubates 3 to 5 eggs for 22 to 24 days. The young leave the nest within a day of hatching, and both parents continue to tend them and lead them to sources of food. During the long days of the high-Arctic summer, the young feed at all hours, and grow quickly. They fledge at 40 to 50 days, but stay with the parents through the first migration.
Migration
Single wholly migratory population. Depart Russian tundras mid-August to 1st week September. Main route west along arctic coasts to White Sea, then overland to Gulfs of Finland and Bothnia. Passage through Baltic mid-September to early October; first arrivals Denmark late September but bulk October. Some stay Denmark and western Germany through November before moving on in colder weather; others go straight to winter quarters in Netherlands, south-east England, and west France, where peak numbers December-February. Return passage begins early March; most leave England and France by mid-April. Spring gatherings in Netherlands, Denmark and western Germany until main departures in mid-May; only stragglers after mid-June.
Mute Swan, Order Anseriformes, Family Anatidae, Species Cygnus olor,..
A large, familiar bird, strikingly white and obvious even at great range, Mute Swan is generally quite tame, even semi-domesticated in its behaviour and choice of habitat.
Territorial pairs are aggressive, even to people or their dogs, using impressive displays of arched wings and loud, hissing calls.
In some floodplains, small groups regularly feed on dry land, a habit that is more consistent with the two " wild swans ", Bewick's and Whooper,
Voice - Strangled trumpeting and hissing notes,
Nesting - Huge pile of vegetation at water's edge; up to 8 eggs; 1 brood; March - June.
Feeding - Plucks vegetable matter from short grass in fields and salt marshes, pulls the same from shallow water, or upends in deeper water,..
Length 1.4 - 1.6m,
Wingspan - 2,08 - 2.38m,
Weight - 10 - 12kg,
Lifespan - 15 - 20 years,
Social - Small flocks,
Status - Secure,...
ORDEN: Anseriformes.
FAMILIA: Anatidae.
N. Comun: Pato jergon.
N. Cientifico: Anas georgica spinicauda.
N. Ingles: Yellow billed pintail.
Habitat: Atacama a Magallanes. Chile
The Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) is a rare waterfowl that is breeding in the Arctic Siberian coast region and overwintering predominantly in southeastern Europe (Aves: Anseriformes: Anatidae).
IUCN Red List: vulnerable
Heidelberg Zoological Garden
Belgium.
Antwerp National Zoo.
Antwerp Zoo (Dutch: ZOO Antwerpen) is a zoo in the centre of Antwerp, Belgium, located next to the Antwerpen-Centraal railway station. It is the oldest animal park in the country, and one of the oldest in the world, established on 21 July 1843.
Português
O ganso-do-egipto (Alopochen aegyptiacus) é uma ave anseriformes do grupo dos gansos. É também conhecido por ganso-do-nilo, ganso-raposo e em Angola por balandira. A sua área de distribuição inclui Europa e África. É especialmente comum a sul do Saara e vale do Nilo.
No século XVIII, a espécie foi introduzida na Grã-Bretanha, onde desenvolveu uma população importante. Esta espécie já colonizou também os Países Baixos, Bélgica, e Alemanha.
Os gansos-do-egipto evitam zonas densamente arborizadas, e podem ser normalmente encontrados em prados, relvados e em campos agrícolas. Passam a maioria do tempo em rios, lagos e terras alagadas. Podem ser encontrados até altitudes elevadas de cerca de 4000 m.
English
The Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) is a member of the duck, goose and swan family Anatidae. It is in the shelduck subfamily Tadorninae, and is the only extant member of the genus Alopochen. mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data suggest that the relationships of Alopochen to Tadorna need further investigation (Sraml et al. 1996).
This 63-73 cm long species breeds widely in Africa except in deserts and dense forests, and is locally abundant. They are found mostly in the Nile Valley and south of the Sahara. It has also been introduced elsewhere; Great Britain and the Netherlands have self-sustaining feral populations, the former dating back to the 18th century, though only formally added to the British list in 1971. In Britain, it is found mainly in East Anglia, in parkland with lakes.
This is a largely terrestrial species, which will also perch readily on trees and buildings. It swims well, and in flight looks heavy, more like a goose than a duck, hence the English name.
This species will nest in a large variety of situations, especially in holes in mature trees in parkland. Egyptian Geese usually pair for life.
The sexes of this striking species are identical in plumage, though the males average slightly larger. There is a fair amount of variation in plumage tone, with some birds greyer and others browner, but this is not sex or age related.
Egyptian geese typically eat seeds, leaves, grasses, and plant stems. Occasionally, they will eat locusts, worms, or other small animals.
Egyptian geese were considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians, and appeared in much of their artwork.
The Egyptian Goose is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.
Source: Wikipedia
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Mergus merganser | [UK] Goosander | [FR] Grand Harle | [DE] Gänsesäger | [ES] Serreta Grande | [IT] Smergo maggiore | [NL] Grote Zaagbek | [IRL] Síolta mhór
spanwidth min.: 78 cm
spanwidth max.: 94 cm
size min.: 58 cm
size max.: 68 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 30 days
incubation max.: 32 days
fledging min.: 60 days
fledging max.: 70 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 5
eggs max.: 15
Status: Resident at larger lakes in Counties Wicklow and Donegal. Rare winter visitor throughout Ireland.
Conservation Concern: Amber-listed in Ireland, due to its small breeding population. The European population has been assessed as Secure.
Identification: Large, long-bodied, with a long narrow red bill ending in a hook. Swimming birds often retract their long necks. Adult males largely white with glossy green-black neck and head. Back largely black. Females with dark red-brown head, though with a white throat patch, greyish body.
Similar Species: Red-breasted Merganser.
Call: Male call is deep muffled 'krroo-krraa'.
Diet: Goosanders feed largely on small and medium sized fish, and occasionally larger fish such as Pike.
Breeding: Breed on freshwater lakes and pools and winter on large unfrozen lakes and brackish lagoons and occasionally on coastal estuaries. The most recent breeding records in Ireland come from County Wicklow, where one pair was confirmed breeding in 1994, and annual breeding has since been deemed likely, though not confirmed.
Wintering: Irish birds appear to be largely resident. Birds from Continental Europe can occasionally found along coastal areas in winter.
Where to See: Found on freshwater. Belfast Lough in County Down and Lough Tay & Dan in County Wicklow are the most regularly used wintering areas.
Physical characteristics
The long, narrow bill with serrated edges readily distinguishes mergansers from all other ducks. Common mergansers are among the largest ducks, but are less stocky than eiders and goldeneyes. In flight, they appear more elongated than other ducks, flying in trailing lines close to the water surface.
Male common mergansers have a greenish-black crested head and upper neck. The lower neck, breast, and underparts are creamy-white with a variable pink wash. They have black backs and upperwing coverts with white scapulars. The bill is red with a blackish culmen and nail. The legs and feet are deep red.
Female common mergansers have a tufted red-brown head that is clearly defined from the lower neck by a clear whitish chin. The back and sides are silver-gray and the breast and belly are white. The bill is red with a blackish culmen and nail. The legs and feet are deep red.
Habitat
Common mergansers nest in tree cavities, nest boxes, cliff crevices, and on the ground generally near clear water rivers in forested regions and mountainous terrain. They feed by diving underwater in marine and freshwater habitats.
Other details
This duck has a wide distribution in boreal and temperate regions of Eurasia and North America. It has also isolated populations in the mountainous regions of the Alps, the Caucasus and Tibet. Two populations inhabit or visit the European Union. One comprises the birds of northern and north-western Europe, wintering mainly in the Baltic Sea and around the North Sea. It amounts to about 200000 individuals, and seems stable. The birds of the British Isles are sedentary. They amount to about 5000-8000 individuals and increased during the last decades. The population of Central Europe (France, Germany) amounts to 3000 individuals. It is also sedentary and seems to be slightly increasing. A very small population is breeding in the Balkan Peninsula. It is estimated at not more than 11-32 breeding pairs, and its trends are unknown
Feeding
Common mergansers eat mainly fishes, amphibians, crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrates obtained by diving underwater in marine and freshwater habitats
Conservation
This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 10,000,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 450,000-1,400,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2002). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
Common mergansers breed from Alaska, the southern Yukon, Labrador, and Newfoundland south to central California, Arizona, New Mexico, southern Chihuahua, and, east of the Rockies, to Minnesota, Michigan, New York, New England, and Nova Scotia. Common mergansers nest in tree cavities, nest boxes, cliff crevices, and on the ground generally near clear water rivers in forested regions and mountainous terrain. Female common mergansers lay an average of 9 to 12 eggs.
Migration
Migratory and partially migratory. No evidence that any Icelandic breeders emigrate. Similarly, British breeders almost entirely resident, moving short distances (mainly within 150 km) from breeding waters to lakes and sheltered estuaries. No evidence that breeders of southernmost Scandinavia, north Germany, and Poland move further than western Baltic, but those breeding central and northern Scandinavia, Finland, Baltic States, and Russia east to Pechora migrate west to Baltic and beyond to Netherlands and Britain, in smaller numbers to west France and north Spain. In late August and early September, moulting and breeding waters often deserted as flocks build up on estuaries and shallow parts of some inland lakes. Mass departures not until advent of freezing; thus major movements through Russia and Baltic October and early November. Early arrivals in North Sea countries late October and early November, but no large numbers until December, while numbers build up on Black Sea and Sea of Azov from mid-October to mid-December. Return migration from early March and, apart from stragglers, non-breeding range vacated by mid-April.
Rogerstown Estuary / Turvey Nature Reserve 17-03-2021
[order] ANSERIFORMES | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Branta bernicla | [UK] Brant Goose | [FR] Bernache cravant | [DE] Ringelgans | [ES] Barnacla de Cara Negra | [NL] Rotgans |
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 105 cm
spanwidth max.: 117 cm
size min.: 55 cm
size max.: 62 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 24 days
incubation max.: 26 days
fledging min.: 36 days
fledging max.: 26 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 6
eggs max.: 10
Light-bellied Brent Goose
Branta bernicla hrota
Cadhan
This population winters almost entirely in Ireland, with small numbers in parts of Britain and France.
Status: Winter migrant from high-Arctic Canada. Most occur in Ireland between October and April.
Conservation Concern: Amber-listed as the majority winter at less than ten sites. The Irish population is also internationally significant, another amber listing criterion. The European population has been evaluated as Vulnerable as several important populations declined.
Identification: Small dark goose, with a black head, neck and breast, and dark-brown upperparts and pale underparts. Almost whitish flanks, and small white crescent on the upperparts of the neck visible at close range.
Similar Species: Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Black Brant, Barnacle Goose
Call: Gutteral 'rhut, rhut'
Diet: During the winter, it feeds mostly on eel-grass, which grows on muddy estuaries, and also on grasslands, usually when coastal supplies have been depleted at estuarine sites.
Breeding: Nests in small, loose colonies by coastal tundra, with pools and small inlets.
Wintering: Mostly found on coastal estuaries during the autumn and early winter, and also on grasslands from mid-winter, until departure for the breeding grounds begins in late April.
Where to See: Highest numbers (c. 30,000) are seen at Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland in October, where most congregate on arrival. Thereafter, they move to other estuarine sites. Lough Foyle in County Derry, Dublin Bay in County Dublin, Tralee Bay, Lough Gill & Akeragh Lough in County Kerry, Rogerstown Estuary in County Dublin, Wexford Harbour & Slobs in County Wexford are other well-used sites (1,000-3,500 birds).
Physical characteristics
The Brant is similar in appearance to the Canada Goose, but smaller and darker. The adult has a gray belly and breast, white rump, and black neck and head with a thin white necklace and no chin-strap.
Fast fliers with swept-back wings, Brant are usually found in a flock. They forage while wading, dabbling in shallow water, or while walking on mudflats or the shore. They display strong site-fidelity to both their wintering and nesting areas.
Habitat
Brant are almost exclusively coastal in their range and are found in shallow bays and saltwater marshes. They nest in the wet, coastal tundra of the high Arctic. Their winter habitat is closely tied to the occurrence of sea grasses and marine algae.
Other details
Branta bernicla is a rare breeder in the European Arctic, but winters mainly in coastal areas of western Europe, which accounts for less than half of its global wintering range. Its European wintering population is large (>240,000 individuals), and increased between 1970-1990. Although a few populations increased or were broadly stable during 1990-2000, key wintering populations (of the subspecies B. b. bernicla) in the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands declined, and the species underwent a large decline (>30%) overall.
This goose is breeding on the arctic coasts of Eurasia and North America, mainly on small islets protected from polar foxes (Alopex lagopus). It winters along the temperate Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The birds visiting the European Union belong to three different populations (Scott & Rose). The first population, estimated at 20000 individuals, comprises the white-bellied birds of the race hrota, breeding in Greenland and northern Canada and wintering in Ireland. The second population, estimated at 5000 individuals, comprises the birds of the race hrota breeding on Svalbard and wintering in Denmark and north-eastern England. The third population, estimated at 300000 individuals, comprises the dark-bellied birds of the nominate race, breeding along the Russian coasts and wintering in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, south-western England and France. All three populations have undergone important fluctuations. The nominate race has experienced a 90% decline during the 1930s following a disease of its foodplant, Zostera marina. It has started to recover since the 1950s, and the increase is still in progress. The populations of Canada and Greenland have increased since the 1960s and seem currently to be stable. The population of Svalbard dropped from about 40000-50000 to a mere 2000 at the end of the 1960s, not only because of the disease of Zostera but also because of non sustainable hunting. Since the 1970s it has recovered
Feeding
Historically, Brant fed almost exclusively on eelgrass, which is still strongly preferred when available. Now they also forage on grasslands and have been able to diversify their diet in the absence of eelgrass, although their range is still closely tied to eelgrass. Brant also eat some aquatic invertebrates.
Conservation
This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence 30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is very large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
Long-term pair bonds usually form on the wintering grounds. Nesting occurs in loose colonies, on small islands in tundra ponds. The breeding range of the Brant is typically within five miles of the coast. The nest is a shallow bowl of grass and other vegetation, lined with down. The female incubates 3 to 5 eggs for 22 to 24 days. The young leave the nest within a day of hatching, and both parents continue to tend them and lead them to sources of food. During the long days of the high-Arctic summer, the young feed at all hours, and grow quickly. They fledge at 40 to 50 days, but stay with the parents through the first migration.
Migration
Single wholly migratory population. Depart Russian tundras mid-August to 1st week September. Main route west along arctic coasts to White Sea, then overland to Gulfs of Finland and Bothnia. Passage through Baltic mid-September to early October; first arrivals Denmark late September but bulk October. Some stay Denmark and western Germany through November before moving on in colder weather; others go straight to winter quarters in Netherlands, south-east England, and west France, where peak numbers December-February. Return passage begins early March; most leave England and France by mid-April. Spring gatherings in Netherlands, Denmark and western Germany until main departures in mid-May; only stragglers after mid-June.
Orden:Anseriformes
Familia:Anatidae
Subfamilia:Anatinae
Género:Amazonetta
Nombres comunes: Pato brasileño, pato cutirí o pato aliverde Alita azul, Cerceta Brasileña, Patillo, Pato cutirí
Nombre cientifico:Amazonetta brasiliensis
Nombre ingles :Brazilian Teal
Lugar de captura: El Palmar, Entre Rios, Argentina
Por: Cimarron mayor Panta
Mute Swan (Knoppsvane / Cygnus olor) from Numedalslågen, near Jernbanebrua (Kongsberg, Norway).
If your bird lens is only 300mm as my first DSLR was in 2011, the big swans are great subjects, filling the sensor with their sheer size. Being rather tame birds, they also allow you to get quite close now and then :-)
Canon 550D, Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6
The photo is part of a Mute Swan set.
I also have a set with a whole sequence of a: Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) landing on ice.
Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis, drake, diver, medium size seaduck
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
++++++++++++++++
Formerly known as Oldsquaw, the Long-tailed Duck breeds in the Arctic and winters along both coasts of North America. It is distinctive among ducks in plumage, molt sequences, foraging behavior, and vocalizations. www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Long-tailed_Duck/id
A duck of cold northern waters. Often the most abundant bird in the high Arctic. Large flocks are often far out at sea; many spend the winter on such northern waters as Bering Sea, Hudson Bay, and Great Lakes. Flocks fly low over sea, with stiff shallow wingbeats, often tilting from side to side. Far more vocal than most ducks, and loud melodious calls of flocks can be heard from some distance. It was formerly called "Oldsquaw," not politically correct by any measure, a reference to this "talkative" behavior -- although it is the male of this species that makes most of the noise.
Feeding Behavior
forages by diving and swimming underwater, with wings partly opened but propelled mainly by feet. Most feeding is within 30' of surface; supposedly able to dive more than 200', deeper than any other duck.
image by Photo George
copyrighted: ©2014 GCheatle
All Rights Reserved
locator: DSC_5491
We don't see her in these clips, but cutting through the wetlands is the voice of a female Mallard (Ánas platyrhýnchos). Hers is a familiar call at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. I recorded these clips on the morning of 11 November 2021.
Canada Goose,
Order,- Anseriformes, Family,- Anatidae, Species,- Branta canadensis,
The Canada Goose was introduced into England from North America in the seventeenth century. Further introductions in Britain and Ireland as well as in Norway. Sweden and other European countries have resulted in the species becoming naturalised and expanding its range beyond that of the initial introductions, It is found on lakes, pools and ornamental waters especially where grassy banks offer good feeding. The nest-site is usually close to water, often at the base of a tree or on islands where present. The species is colonial, though solitary nests occur, The nest is a mound of grass, reeds and other plant material lined with down lncubation is by the female alone though the male stands guard.
The Canada Goose feeds mainly on plant matter including some aquatic plants. Most of the food is taken on land where shoots, roots, cereals, and seeds form the diet.
The British population is largely resident, though there is a strong moult-migration, particularly from Yorkshire to Invernesshire. Scandinavian breeders move to Germany and the Netherlands in winter, Some wild Canada Geese from North America in very small numbers in Ireland and west Scotland in winter.
Migration, - Main movements in mid September to November and return in late February to April,
Length, - Male - 99 cm, Female, - 94 cm,
Wing length, - Male, -49 cm, Female, -47 cm,
Weight, - Male, - 4900 g, Female, - 4400 g,
Wingspan,- 1.5 - 1.8 m
Lifesspan,- 20 - 25 years,
Status,- Localized,
Please visit www.GoldFeatherPhoto.com to view larger or to purchase.
Anseriformes - Anatidae - Oxyura - jamaicensis
©2009 by James R. Spitznas / AuLux, all rights reserved. No usage or reproduction allowed in any form without written consent.
EXPLORE #261 on 02Dec09!
Santa Cruz, California, United States of America. I could use some help on this one!
I love encountering birds that are not usually found in my area. I don't travel all around the world or even the country, so seeing something exotic is just fine with me.
Apparently I just can't be fashionable even if I tried! If this is just a mutant mallard, not an exotic gosling I still get a kick out of rarities. To me, it's especially fun to see to power birders track them down. I hope they don't mind my saying so, but watching Nicholas Levendosky, and Liam Murphy quickly pick a Little Gull out of a distant flock of Bonaparte's Gulls and then easily follow it all around the harbor as it constantly circled and landed was amazing. And just one of many events where I've seen the local birding stars pull rabbits out of hats. For me chasing down local rarities is great fun. And our local birders that join in are the really helpful and inclusive!
Canada Goose,
Order,- Anseriformes, Family,- Anatidae, Species,- Branta canadensis,
The Canada Goose was introduced into England from North America in the seventeenth century. Further introductions in Britain and Ireland as well as in Norway. Sweden and other European countries have resulted in the species becoming naturalised and expanding its range beyond that of the initial introductions, It is found on lakes, pools and ornamental waters especially where grassy banks offer good feeding. The nest-site is usually close to water, often at the base of a tree or on islands where present. The species is colonial, though solitary nests occur, The nest is a mound of grass, reeds and other plant material lined with down lncubation is by the female alone though the male stands guard.
The Canada Goose feeds mainly on plant matter including some aquatic plants. Most of the food is taken on land where shoots, roots, cereals, and seeds form the diet.
The British population is largely resident, though there is a strong moult-migration, particularly from Yorkshire to Invernesshire. Scandinavian breeders move to Germany and the Netherlands in winter, Some wild Canada Geese from North America in very small numbers in Ireland and west Scotland in winter.
Migration, - Main movements in mid September to November and return in late February to April,
Length, - Male - 99 cm, Female, - 94 cm,
Wing length, - Male, -49 cm, Female, -47 cm,
Weight, - Male, - 4900 g, Female, - 4400 g,
Wingspan,- 1.5 - 1.8 m
Lifesspan,- 20 - 25 years,
Status,- Localized,
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Anas strepera | [UK] Gadwall | [FR] Canard chipeau | [DE] Schnatterente | [ES] Ánade Friso | [IT] Canapiglia | [NL] Krakeend | [IRL] Gadual
spanwidth min.: 78 cm
spanwidth max.: 90 cm
size min.: 46 cm
size max.: 56 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 24 days
incubation max.: 26 days
fledging min.: 45 days
fledging max.: 50 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 8
eggs max.: 12
Status: Scarce resident at wetlands mainly in the south and east of Ireland.
Conservation Concern: Amber-listed due to its small breeding population, as well as the localised wintering population (less than ten sites). The European population of Gadwall has been assessed as Depleted, due to a large historical decline.
Identification: Large, but slightly smaller than Mallard. Small white speculum prominent in adult male. Males with brown head, black stern and grey body. Females similar to Mallard, though whitish belly, small white speculum, an orange, even stripe along the cutting edge of the bill.
Similar Species: Mallard and other duck species.
Call: Males with short, croaking 'ahrk' and high-pitched whistling 'pee' in courtship. Females with quacking call similar to Mallard.
Diet: They feed on a mixed diet of seeds, insects and aquatic vegetation.
Breeding: Nest on a variety of freshwater and brackish wetlands, especially shallow lakes with abundant emergent vegetation, slow moving rivers and marshes.
Wintering: Localised wintering distribution at a variety of inland and coastal sites.
Where to See: Loughs Neagh & Beg in County Antrim, Tacumshin Lake in County Wexford, Lady's Island Lake in County Wexford, Strangford Lough in County Down and the Corofin Wetlands in County Clare are among the top sites (each supporting 80- 150 birds).
Physical characteristics
Gadwalls are medium-sized ducks characterized by a general lack of bright coloration. Males are gray-brown, with a white belly, and a black rump. In flight, a white speculum and chestnut and black portions on the wing coverts are displayed. The bill is slate-gray and the legs and feet are yellow. The male utters a short "nheck" and a low whistle. Female gadwalls are similar to males, but have a mottled brown appearance, a yellowish bill with dark spots, and a smaller white speculum. She utters a repeated "gag-ag-ag-ag-ag" higher in pitch than the mallard.
Habitat
Female gadwall nest in fields and meadows, and on islands and dikes in wetlands. They are found in reservoirs, farm ponds, and coastal fresh and brackish marshes.
Other details
A species breeding in the temperate regions of North America and Eurasia. The breeding populations of the western parts of the European Union are more or less sedentary, but they are increased in winter by migratory birds from the Baltic region. This population is totalling 30000 individuals, and seems to have increased during the last decades (Scott & Rose). The birds breeding in Greece or visiting Greece in winter belong to a more oriental population, estimated at 75000-150000 individuals but currently declining
Feeding
Aquatic vegetation makes up the majority of the gadwall's diet. As a result, they are often found feeding far from the shoreline, in deeper water than most other dabbling ducks. Gadwall up-end to feed on leafy portions of pondweeds, naiad, widgeon grass, water milfoil, and algae and the seeds of pondweeds, smartweeds, bulrush, and spike rush. They also feed on aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans and midges.
Conservation
This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 10,000,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 3,800,000-4,400,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2002). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
Gadwall breed near seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands, mainly in the shortgrass, tallgrass, and mixed prairie regions of the US and Canada. Substantial numbers also breed in wetland habitats of the Great Basin. Gadwall tend to begin breeding later than most ducks. Female gadwall nest in fields and meadows, and on islands and dikes in wetlands and lay an average of 7 to 12 eggs.
Migration
Partially migratory; northernmost breeding birds descend to lower latitudes in winter, but breeders of more temperate regions mostly sedentary.
Greylag Goose,
Order - Anseriformes, Family - Anatidae, Species, - Anser anser,
Of all grey geese, the Grey lag ( the direct ancestor of the domestic goose ) most resembles the farmyard goose.
It is also the most easily seen grey goose in the UK because it has been introduced in many lowland areas where sizeable flocks are now semi-tame and resident all year round.
Winter visitors are still wild and shy.
In much of eastern and central Europe, the Greylag is naturally resident in extensive marshes,
Voice, - Loud, clattering, and honking notes like farmyard bird, ahng-ahng-ahng,kang-ank,
Nesting, - Sparsely lined ground nest, often on island; 4 - 6 eggs; 1 brood; May - June.
Feeding, - Grazes; plucks-grass and cereal shoots, digs for roots and waste grain,
Length, - 74 - 84 cm ( 29 - 33 in ),
Wingspan, - 1.49 - 1.68 m ( 5f - 5f 6in ),
Weight - 2.9 - 3.7kg,
Lifespan, - 15 - 20 years,
Social - Flocks,
Status, - Secure,.
Long-Tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Clangula hyemalis | [UK] Long-Tailed Duck | [FR] Harelde kakawi | [DE] Eisente | [ES] Havelda | [IT] Moretta codona | [NL] Ijseend
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 70 cm
spanwidth max.: 74 cm
size min.: 38 cm
size max.: 58 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 24 days
incubation max.: 29 days
fledging min.: 35 days
fledging max.: 50 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 6
eggs max.: 10
Physical characteristics
The Long-tailed Duck is a distinctive sea duck with a short bill and heavy body. The short, pointed, all-dark wings of the Long-tailed Duck are evident in all sexes and plumages. In breeding plumage, the male has a long, black tail-plume, a white rump and belly, and black breast. The head and back are black, with brown shoulders and a white patch around the eye. In winter the brown on the back is replaced by white, and the head is white with a gray cheek-patch. In spring, the female is gray with a white rump, and white around the eye and at the nape of the neck. In winter, she has a white face with dark crown and cheek-patch. The juvenile is similar to the female--gray with white, although it has more white on its face than the female.
Long-tailed Ducks dive and swim under water, and, while they propel themselves with their feet like other ducks, their wings are sometimes partly opened under water. Most feeding is done within 30 feet of the surface, but they are capable of diving more than 200 feet below the surface. Long-tailed Ducks fly low with stiff and shallow wing-beats, often tilting from side to side.
Habitat
Long-tailed Ducks breed in shallow tundra ponds and lakes. During other seasons, Long-tailed Ducks can be found on the ocean over sandy substrates. They prefer sheltered water, but can be found on the open ocean as well.
Other details
Clangula hyemalis is a widespread breeder in northernmost Europe, which accounts for less than half of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is large (>690,000 pairs), and was stable between 1970-1990. Although trends in Greenland, Iceland and Sweden during 1990-2000 were unknown, populations were stable elsewhere-including in the Russian stronghold-and the species probably remained stable overall.
This duck has a wide distribution at high latitudes in Eurasia and North America. Most of the birds inhabiting northern Europe are wintering in the Baltic Sea. This population is estimated at 4.5 millions of individuals, but only a few thousand reach the Wadden Sea and only stragglers are recorded more south, especially in hard winters. The birds of Greenland and Iceland reach the west of the British islands. This population is estimated at 150000 individuals. Both populations seems stable (Scott & Rose), despite the fact that some decrease has been reported from Scandinavia and that the bird is sensitive to oil pollution of the s
Feeding
For Long-tailed Ducks at sea, mollusks and crustaceans are the main source of food. In summer, aquatic insects, other aquatic invertebrates, and some plant material are eaten.
Conservation
This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 100,000-1,000,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 7,200,000-7,800,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2002). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
Most female Long-tailed Ducks first breed at the age of two. Pair bonds are established in the winter, or during the spring migration, and last until incubation begins. The nest is located on dry ground close to the water, often hidden in the undergrowth or among rocks. It is a depression lined with plant material and great quantities of down that the female adds to the nest after she begins laying. She usually lays from 6 to 11 eggs and incubates them for 24 to 29 days. Shortly after hatching, the young leave the nest and can swim and dive well. The female tends them and may dislodge food items for them when she is diving, but they feed themselves. They first fly at 35 to 40 days.
Migration
Migratory and partially migratory. winters mainly offshore between 55 degrees North and 75 degrees North and in Baltic Sea. Icelandic breeders are partial migrants, some remaining to winter around coasts, others moving to southern Greenland. Baltic Sea appears to be the most important wintering area in west Palearctic. Though extensive moult migration occurs in east Siberia, in west Palearctic males moult on coasts and lakes close to breeding areas either solitarily or in small flocks. Movements beginning late June to early July. Large flocks build up August-September as females and young desert breeding areas. Some reach south Sweden mid-September, but overland passage from White Sea to Gulf of Finland mostly 1st half October. Main influx to west Baltic November or December. Return movement North and Baltic Seas from mid-March, with major overland passage towards White Sea in May. They return to breeding areas dependent on thaw, late April or early May in Iceland, mid-May to mid-June in Russian tundras.
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Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Aythya marila | [UK] Greater Scaup | [FR] Fuligule milouinan | [DE] Bergente | [ES] Porrón Bastardo | [IT] Moretta grigia | [NL] Topper
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 71 cm
spanwidth max.: 80 cm
size min.: 42 cm
size max.: 51 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 26 days
incubation max.: 28 days
fledging min.: 40 days
fledging max.: 45 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 8
eggs max.: 13
Physical characteristics
The male Greater Scaup has white flanks, a black rump and breast, and barred gray back. He has a green-black iridescent head and light gray-blue bill. The adult in its second year has a yellow eye. The male in non-breeding plumage has a black head and breast, brown body, and black rump. The female is brownish overall, also with a yellow eye after the age of two. The female also has a white semi-circle at the base of the beak. The Greater and Lesser Scaup can be difficult to distinguish in the field. The Greater Scaup averages about 10% longer and 20% heavier than the Lesser Scaup. The Lesser Scaup has a peaked, angular head that the Greater Scaup lacks. The Greater Scaup has a larger bill with a more pronounced nail (tip of the bill) than the Lesser Scaup. Seen in flight, the white on the wings of the Greater Scaup extends into the primaries, where it is gray on the Lesser Scaup. Habitat, range, and season may help differentiate between the two species, as well as using a field guide and working with experienced observers.
Outside of the breeding season, Greater Scaup form large flocks or rafts, numbering in the thousands. In tidal waters, they tend to face up-current. While individuals may drift downstream, birds from the back of the flock fly to the front, maintaining the raft in the same position. A diver, the Greater Scaup catches its food under water, but eats it on the surface. Occasionally scaups forage at or near the water's surface as well.
Habitat
The Greater Scaup is the more northerly of the two species of North American Scaup. In the summer, they breed on marshy, lowland tundra at the northern limits of the boreal forest. In winter, they gather in coastal bays, lagoons, and estuaries, with some wintering on inland lakes. While the Greater Scaup does overlap with the Lesser Scaup in winter, it tends to frequent more open, exposed areas.
Other details
Aythya marila breeds in northern Europe, and winters mainly in north-western Europe and the Black Sea, which together account for less than half of its global wintering range. Its European wintering population is large (>120,000 individuals), and was stable between 1970-1990. Although most wintering populations were broadly stable during 1990-2000, there were substantial declines in north-western Europe, and the species probably underwent a very large decline (>50%) overall.
This duck has a wide distribution at high latitudes in Eurasia and North America. In Europe its mainly marine wintering area is reaching the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, but most birds winter in the Baltic and North Seas. This north-western European population is estimated at 310000 individuals. A decline has been recorded in the British Isles and in Denmark; an increase in the Netherlands and Germany. Its global trends are unknown
Feeding
Mollusks and plant material are both important components of the Greater Scaup's diet. In the summer, aquatic insects and crustaceans are also eaten.
Conservation
This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 1,000,000-10,000,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 1,100,000-1,400,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2002). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
While Greater Scaup may nest at one year of age, they are more likely to begin breeding at the age of two. Pair formation begins in late winter or early spring on the wintering grounds and during migration back to the breeding grounds. The pair bond lasts until the female begins to incubate, and then the male leaves. Nests are located close to the water on an island, shoreline, or floating mat of vegetation, often close together in loose colonies. The female makes a shallow depression lined with grass. During incubation, the female adds down to the nest. Incubation of the 6 to 9 eggs lasts for 23 to 28 days. Soon after they hatch, the female leads the young to the water. Multiple broods may form small crèches and be tended by one or more females. The young can swim and find their own food immediately, but can't fly until about 40 to 45 days old
Migration
Migratory, winters along coasts of North America (Atlantic and Pacific), NW Europe, Black and Caspian Seas and Japan, Yellow and East China seas. At some localities (e.g. Central Europe, Great lakes of North America) also inland. Males to remain much further N than females or immatures
[order] ANSERIFORMES | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Anser caerulescens | [UK] Snow Goose | [FR] Oie de neiges | [DE] Schneegans | [ES] Ganso Azul | [NL] Sneeuwgans | [IRE] Gé Shneachta
Status: A rare winter visitor from October to March
Conservation Concern: Green-listed in Ireland. The European population is considered to be Secure.
Identification: Slightly smaller than Greylag Goose and more compact than that species. Two phases (types) can occur in Ireland, the most typical and obvious being the white-phase. This appears like an all-white Greylag Goose, except for a large black patch on the wings (primary feathers). Blue-phase Snow Geese are markedly different, with only the head and part of the neck being white. The rest of the body is dark brown. Escaped Domestic Geese may resemble either type of Snow Goose, but generally be distinguished by their size.
Similar Species: Domestic Goose, Greylag Goose
Call: Usually silent when seen in Ireland.
Diet: Snow Geese in Ireland feed with other geese on grasses and cereal stubble.
Breeding: Breeds in the taiga of Alaska, Canada and increasingly in Greenland.
Wintering: Winters in large flocks along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States. One or two individuals may associate with Greenland White-fronted Geese by mistake and end up wintering in Ireland. This species is also regularly kept in bird collections and escaped individuals can be seen at all times of the year.
Where to See: A rare winter visitor almost always associating with other geese at lowland sites. Snow Geese have been regularly sighted at the North Slob in County Wexford
Male Mallard duck eclipse plumage / Anade Real macho en plumage de eclipse
El ánade real o azulón / mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos) es una especie de ave anseriforme de la familia Anatidae. Es un #pato de superficie común y muy extendido. Habita áreas de temperatura templada de Norteamérica, Europa y Asia. También frecuenta Centroamérica y el Caribe. Probablemente es el más conocido de todos los patos.
El macho tiene la cabeza verde azulada, pico amarillo, pecho pardo o castaño, collar blanco, cuerpo gris y popa negra. La hembra es de colores más apagados en pardo oscuro, se parece a otros patos (sobre todo al ánade friso), pero su mayor tamaño, el color anaranjado y oscuro en el pico y el espejuelo azul y blanco son característicos. Ambos sexos tienen espejuelos azul-morado.
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The mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is a large wading bird of the family #Anatidae #Anseriformes. It is a common duck and widespread surface. It inhabits warm temperate areas of North America, Europe and Asia. Also frequents Central America and the Caribbean. Probably the best known of all ducks.
The male has bluish green head, yellow beak, brown or chestnut breast, white necklace, gray body and black stern. The female is duller colors in dark brown, other ducks (especially the Gadwall), but its larger size, the color orange and dark blue beak and white speculum and looks are characteristic. Both sexes have blue-purple glasses.
Moulting feathers
Eclipse plummage is temporary or transition plummage.
Ducks are peculiar in that they moult all their flight feathers; the long, wing feathers; at once. For about a month, they can't fly and very vulnerable to predators.
To provide some protection, particularly for the brightly-coloured males, the moult starts with their bright body feathers. These are replaced by dowdy brown ones, making them look much like females.
This eclipse plumage is why in mid-summer, it seems as though all the drakes have gone.
Once the flight feathers have regrown, the birds moult again, and by October the full colours are back and the various species of ducks are easily recognisable once more.
Read more at www.rspb.org.uk
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Anseriformes
Family:Anatidae
Genus:Anas
Species:A. platyrhynchos
Binomial name
Anas platyrhynchos
African Pygmy-goose
Nettapus auritus
Location: Moremi, Botswana
Date: 7th. August 2011
Distribution: avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?lang=EN&avibaseid=EC7...
690V3281