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Anseriformes - Anatidae - Aythya - affinis
©2010 by James R. Spitznas / AuLux, all rights reserved. No usage or reproduction allowed in any form without written consent.
ORDEN: Anseriformes.
FAMILIA: Anatinae.
N. Comun: Pato Cuchara.
N. Cientifico: Anas platalea.
N. Ingles: Red choveler.
Captura: Batuco, R. Metropolitana.
Habitat: IV a la XII Region. Chile
Una serie para nuestra culebrosa amiga Iberica Maria Jose....
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Somateria mollissima | [UK] Eider | [FR] Eider à duvet | [DE] Eiderente | [ES] Eider | [IT] Edredone | [NL] Eider | [IRL] Éadar
spanwidth min.: 95 cm
spanwidth max.: 105 cm
size min.: 60 cm
size max.: 70 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 25 days
incubation max.: 28 days
fledging min.: 65 days
fledging max.: 75 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 4
eggs max.: 7
Status: Resident along rocky coasts in the north and north-west of Ireland.
Conservation Concern: Amber-listed in Ireland due to the majority of Eiders wintering at less than ten sites.The European population is regarded as Secure.
Identification: Large and heavy-built, with short neck, large head, long wedge-shaped bill. Birds seen in irregular - loose clusters. Males largely white with black belly, sides and stern. Head white with black crown, and pale green on sides of the nape.
Similar Species: Adult male is unmistakable. Females and immature resemble other duck species.
Call: Male with cooing display-call, and a far carrying 'a-ooh-e'.
Diet: They generally feed by diving in waters up to 20 m depth, feeding predominantly on mussels, other molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms.
Breeding: Eider nest colonially on offshore islets, along low-lying coast, usually where the threat of mammalian predation is minimal. Eider seldom occur far from the sea throughout the year. They breed around the coast of Scotland and northern England and along the north and northwest coasts of Ireland. Up to 100 pairs have been estimated in Ireland.
Wintering: Occurs on shallow, inshore coastal waters, near estuary mouths mostly along the northwest and northeast coastlines.
Where to See: Belfast Lough in County Down and Outer Ards in County Down regularly supports almost 1,000 & 500 birds respectively. Lough Foyle in County Derry, Strangford Lough in County Down, Larne Lough in County Antrim and the Streedagh Estuary in County Sligo are other well-used wintering sites.
Physical characteristics
The Common Eider Somateria mollissima is the largest duck in the northern hemisphere. It weighs an average of 1 800 g, but its weight can vary from 850 to 3 025 g depending on race, sex, and time of year. There are four Common Eider races in North America; subtle differences in body size and bill structure distinguish each race from the other.
The plumage of the Common Eider varies considerably. It passes through several stages while the bird is growing to maturity, and after the bird reaches adulthood at about three years old, the plumage alternates between two colours each year as a result of moulting, or the replacement of old feathers with new. In addition, the male's plumage differs from the female's.
Between the ages of three weeks and three years, male Common Eiders moult their feathers eight times, changing their colour from a juvenile blackish brown to an adult olive-brown and white in winter and a striking black and white, with a small area of light emerald green on the back and sides of the head, during the breeding season. Changes in female plumage are less dramatic: from a juvenile blackish brown, the duck becomes rusty-to-tan. The female's summer colours provide good camouflage in the vegetation and rocks of the offshore islands on which she breeds.
Common Eiders can live 20 years, one of the longest lifespans among sea ducks. However, the expected lifespan for eider populations which are heavily harvested may be much shorter.
Habitat
Of all sea ducks, the Common Eider is the most closely tied to marine habitat. It lives in arctic and subarctic coastal marine areas, where it frequents coastal headlands, offshore islands, skerries, and shoals. The Common Eider rarely leaves the water in the winter, and some races remain as far north as there is open water. The seven races of Common Eiders have different breeding ranges. In North America the southern race Somateria mollissima dresseri breeds from Maine to Hamilton Inlet on the Labrador coast; the northern race Somateria mollissima borealis breeds from northern Labrador to Ellesmere Island in the eastern Canadian Arctic; the Hudson Bay race Somateria mollissima sedentaria remains all year within Hudson Bay; and the Pacific race Somateria mollissima v-nigra breeds from Coronation Gulf in the MacKenzie District of the Northwest Territories to the south side of the Alaskan peninsula. Three subspecies are found outside North America: one in northwest Europe, one in Iceland and a third in the Faeroe Islands north of Great Britain.
The Common Eider belongs to the sea duck tribe (Mergini), which contains closely related ducks, all of which use marine habitats to some degree. The King Eider Somateria spectabilis, Spectacled Eider Somateria fischeri, and Common Eider all belong to the same genus, and hybridization is known to occur between Common and King Eiders. Eider ducks are gregarious, travelling and feeding in flocks numbering from tens to thousands.
Other details
This mainly marine species is breeding on arctic islands, in the north-west and extreme east of Eurasia and in North America. Some populations are sedentary. Others are migratory, wintering mainly in Denmark, northern Germany and the Netherlands, but reaching the Atlantic coasts of France. A few birds are seen in Central Europe and the western Mediterranean. The population of north-western Europe is totalling 1.7 to 2.3 millions of individuals (Scott & Rose). A few birds also reach Greece. They probably belong to a small population inhabiting the Ukrainian shores of the Black Sea
Feeding
Eiders feed during the day by diving to the bottom in waters from 3 to 20 m deep to take mussels, clams, scallops, sea urchins, starfish, and crabs, which are swallowed whole and crushed in the large gizzard.
In winter, when daylight is short, more than half the daytime hours are spent in feeding. The ducks feed in shoal waters off headlands and offshore islands and skerries. Flocks move together at the same rate, the ducks at the front of a flock diving first and the rest following sequentially. After 15 to 30 minutes of intensive feeding, flocks move offshore to rest, preen, and digest the contents of the gullet. The feeding sequence is then repeated.
During spring migration, and when the eider ducks arrive near their breeding places, much time is spent feeding, and the birds accumulate fat. These stores are particularly important for the breeding females, or hens, which rely on the reserves through the incubation period. Unlike many ducks, the hen does not feed once she starts sitting on her eggs. The young apparently eat insects during their first week of life.
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 2,500,000-3,600,000 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
Eiders return to the breeding islands along the northern coasts as soon as shore-fast ice or pack ice starts to dissipate. Many eider ducks are paired when they arrive on the breeding grounds, although some pairing occurs there. Some races remain paired for several years, others do not. Courtship is very intense in spring, with males making displays for the females which include the upward tossing of the head, cooing, neck-stretching and wing-flapping. Courtship continues after pairing in order to maintain pair bonds.
Some female eiders may breed in their second year of life, but males do not breed until they are three years old. Many females will not breed in some years. Common Eiders breed mainly on small offshore marine islands or isolated spits and points that are free of mammalian predators. Within a couple of weeks of arriving at the breeding grounds, the birds make prospecting flights and visits to choose a suitable nesting place. Often females will use the same nesting site for a number of years, while others choose new nest sites each year. They nest in early summer in dense colonies of tens to 10 000 or more; nesting starts progressively later as one proceeds farther north. There is one brood per season.
Only the female prepares the nest. In some races, the male stays with the female for a while; in others, he does not. When he remains, the male defends the female from other eiders and from gulls and ensures that she does not mate with other males.
The female begins laying the eggs a couple of days after the nest is ready. There are usually four or five eggs per nest, and generally, one egg is laid per day. When the second or third egg has been laid, the female lines her nest with down plucked from her body. While laying the egges, some females will leave the nesting colony, possibly to feed before they return to the nest to incubate, or sit on the eggs, continuously. Once incubation begins, the female only leaves the nest for a little as five minutes every two or three days to drink, but not to eat. During early egg-laying, if the male is still in the vicinity, he accompanies the female on her breaks. By mid-incubation, most males have left the colony on their moult migrations. Incubation lasts from 21 to 24 days, and about 50 to 70 percent of the eggs hatch successfully.
The downy newborns leave the nest within 24 hours, and they feed themselves. Within one hour of entering the water, they can dive competently. Young first fly when they are 60 days old. Generally, few survive to fly; many are lost to predators, exposure, or starvation in their first week of life. In good years, one duckling per adult pair may survive for the fall flight. On the other hand, adults are often long--lived, and estimated annual survival rates vary from 80 to 95 percent. This low reproductive success, which is compensated by high adult survival, is very characteristic of eiders and other sea ducks such as scoters and Long-tailed Ducks. Most other ducks breed more successfully but lose 40 to 50 percent of adults each year.
The mother's relationship with her ducklings ends when she leaves for the moult migration in the autumn. In the fall migration, groups of young may travel together and arrive before the adults on the winter range.
Migration
Migratory, partially migratory, and dispersive. In north-west Europe, major moult migration considerably affects picture of normal migration. Breeders and immatures leave nesting grounds for annual moult in German Waddenzee area, leaving ducklings in care of small number of adults which moult locally. First move June, probably mostly immatures, adults following July; some movement as late as September, especially from east. Waddenzee moulting place for virtually all Shelduck in north-west Europe, except for several thousand which moult in Britain, notably in Bridgwater Bay, south-west England. When moult completed, autumn migration begins in rather leisurely fashion. For breeders of Netherlands, Britain, and Ireland, this entails return to breeding areas. Breeding populations from areas to east of moulting grounds winter around coasts of southern North Sea, west France, and to some extent Britain and Ireland; many thousands remain on moulting grounds. Those wintering outside their breeding areas begin return March. Breeding populations of south-east Europe mainly sedentary, flocking in winter, moving only if bad weather. Those breeding Volga area and Ural steppes migrate to Caspian, where join resident breeders. South of main wintering areas, small numbers occur fairly regularly Iberia, Mediterranean basin east to Nile valley and Middle East.
Class Aves
Order Anseriformes
Family Anatidae
Cygnus buccinator
Flat Creek, National Elk Refuge, Wyoming.
13:02 17 February 2014
The tucked head reduces the bird's surface area exposed to the cold and allows the bird to breath air warmed by its body.
Mallard duck
El ánade real o #azulón (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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Lugar de Captura /Taken: Rotary St-Anselme Park, Dieppe, NB.
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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.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Anseriformes
Family:Anatidae
Genus:Anas
Species:A. platyrhynchos
Binomial name
Anas platyrhynchos
Mallard-9341
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Cygnus cygnus | [UK] Whooper Swan | [FR] Cygne chanteur | [DE] Singschwan | [ES] Cisne Cantor | [IT] Cigno selvatico | [NL] Wilde Zwaan
spanwidth min.: 205 cm
spanwidth max.: 235 cm
size min.: 140 cm
size max.: 160 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 31 days
incubation max.: 42 days
fledging min.: 78 days
fledging max.: 96 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 3
eggs max.: 5
Physical characteristics
Size is similar to the Mute Swan, but there are noticeable differences. Whooper Swans have a yellow and black beak, a more rigid neck bearing in activiy as well as at rest, and, finally, their wings produce a musical sound when they fly. Their feathers are entirely white and their webbed feet are black. Juveniles show a greyish brown plumage. After one year, they get their adult one.
The Whooper Swan can also be mistaken for the Bewick Swan whose he's very close. There are two ways to differentiate them: the Whooper Swan is much bigger, with a longer neck and a more angulous head, and the beak's yellow/black layout is different. While the Whooper's Swan beak looks globally yellow with just a black tip, the Bewick's Swan's one is mainly black with a yellow base, sometimes half yellow, half black. Unlike the Mute Swan, it never raises its wings above its back when it swims and its neck is straighter.
Habitat
Winters on low agricultural land, generally not far from coast. Breeds in northern zones, on shallow fresh waters: pools, lakes and rivers in wooded country. Rarely in tundra.
Other details
Cygnus cygnus breeds mainly in Iceland, Fennoscandia and northern Russia, but winters patchily across much of Europe, which constitutes >50% of its global wintering range. Its European wintering population is relatively large (>65,000 individuals), and was stable between 1970-1990. Although there were declines in a handful of countries during 1990-2000, most European wintering populations-including key ones in Denmark and Germany-were broadly stable or increased, and the species underwent a large increase overall.
Whooper Swans nest mainly in Eurasian boreal regions. They split in three distinct groups. The most occidental one, with a stable population of about 16 000 individuals, nests in Iceland. The central one nests in Scandinavia and Occidental Russia. It is estimated at 59 000 individuals, regularly increasing. The most oriental group is located in Siberia. Its population, estimated at 17 000 individuals, is probably decreasing. These groups migrate south beginning autumn with the first cold days. The occidental group leaves Iceland for the British Isles, North Sea and Channel coasts, as far as the farthest point of Brittany. The oriental group sets up on Caspian and Black Sea shores. The Scandinavian group is the one that has the shortest migration. During winter, Whooper Swans, like Bewick Swans, spend a great deal of time grazing.
Feeding
Essentially vegetarian. It eats aquatic plants and uses all parts of it (stems, leaves, roots, shoots). It also graze in prairies, like geese. It may eat small invertebrates, but it's a minor part of their diet.
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 180,000 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
Pairs unite for lifetime. Males are very active in nest building. Their nest is bulky and made essentially with stems and leaves. The bottom is covered with twigs, leaves and feathers. In April-May, the female lays 4 to 7 eggs and sits on for 5 to 6 weeks. Chicks are precocious and are carried on the female's back under the male's aggressive watch and protection. Taking flight occurs 87 to 90 days after hatching.
Migration
Migratory. Part of Icelandic population remains in winter. Migrates southwards to temperate areas, sporadically in more southern latitudes in cold winters; vagrant to USA and Pakistan.
Orden:Anseriformes
Familia:Anatidae
Género:Aix
Nombre común: Pato mandarín macho
Nombre científico:Aix galericulata
Nombre en Ingles:Mandarín Duck male
Lugar de Captura. Beijing, China
Por: Cimarron mayor Panta.
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Anas clypeata | [UK] Northern Shoveler | [FR] Canard souchet | [DE] Löffelente | [ES] Pato Cuchara | [IT] Mestolone comune | [NL] Slobeend | [IRL] Spadalach
spanwidth min.: 73 cm
spanwidth max.: 82 cm
size min.: 44 cm
size max.: 52 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 22 days
incubation max.: 23 days
fledging min.: 40 days
fledging max.: 45 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 7
eggs max.: 12
Status: Resident & winter migrant. Most occur between October and March. Wintering birds originate from breeding populations which range across France, northern Europe, the Baltic and western Russia. Ireland and northern Britain also support the small Icelandic breeding population during the winter.
Conservation Concern: Red-listed (National, BoCCI), SPEC 3 declining, moderate recent decline (Europe)
Identification: Medium to large sized with a long and broad bill. Males with green head, white breast, chestnut belly and flanks, blue upper forewing. Females similar to Mallard but distinguished by the bill and darker brown belly.
Similar Species: Males could be confused with Shelduck. Females resemble other female dabbling ducks.
Call: Disyllabic nasal knocking call of male when flushed. Female similar though more wheezy 'kerr-ash'.
Diet: Feed predominantly on zooplankton which are found mostly on ephemeral wetlands, particularly turloughs and callows. They also feed on small molluscs, insects and larvae, seeds and plant material and are frequently seen dabbling around the edges of waterpools.
Breeding: Nests on the ground among waterside vegetation, often many nests in close proximity. Breeding in Ireland is centred around Lough Neagh and the mid- Shannon basin.
Wintering: Shoveler prefer shallow eutrophic waters rich in plankton, and occur on a variety of habitats while wintering in Ireland, including coastal estuaries, lagoons and inland lakes and callows.
Where to See: Ballyallia Lake in County Clare, Little Brosna Callows in County Offaly, Southern Roscommon Lakes in County Roscommon and Lough Rea in County Galway are among the top wintering sites (200-400 birds).
Physical characteristics
The very large, spatulate bill is the most distinguishing feature of the aptly named Northern Shoveler. The male in breeding plumage has bright wings, a bright iridescent-green head with a yellow eye, bold white breast, and chestnut sides. Females, juveniles, and males in eclipse plumage (from May through August) are mottled brown with orange legs and a green-black iridescent speculum with a blue patch on the forewing.
Northern Shovelers rarely tip up, but filter mud through their bills, swimming with their heads outstretched, bills skimming the water's surface, sifting out food. In flight they stay in tight bunches, weaving to and fro like shorebirds. Shovelers are very territorial, and pair bonds remain intact through incubation, unlike most other species of ducks.
Habitat
Northern Shovelers inhabit shallow, marshy ponds and wetlands at low elevations. Breeding habitat is in open country (prairie or tundra), or lowland woodlands and clearings, always near shallow water. During winter and migration they will use virtually any wetland as long as it has muddy edges. Shovelers will forage in sewage ponds and stagnant or polluted waters avoided by other species of ducks.
Other details
Anas clypeata is widespread breeder across much of Europe, which accounts for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is large (>170,000 pairs), and was stable between 1970-1990. Although no trend data were available for the stronghold in Russia during 1990-2000, several countries- notably the Netherlands-suffered marked declines, and the species probably underwent a moderate decline (>10%) overall.
This duck inhabits North America and northern Eurasia. 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 40000 individuals and apparently stable, is wintering in the Atlantic regions from Denmark to the British Isles and Aquitaine. The second population is estimated at 450000 individuals, but its current trends are unknown. It winters in the Black Sea region, the Mediterranean and West Africa.
Feeding
The bill of the Shoveler is ideally suited for straining small swimming invertebrates from the water and mud. Seeds and aquatic plants are also important food items, especially during winter
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 5,000,000-6,400,000 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
Pair formation begins in the winter and continues during spring migration. Males remain with the females through the incubation period. The female chooses the site (generally in short grass). She builds the nest, a shallow depression made of grass and weeds, lined with down, and incubates the 9 to 12 eggs for 23 to 28 days by herself. A few hours after they hatch, the female leads the young to the water where they can swim and forage immediately. The young typically stay close to the cover of emergent vegetation, and the female tends them until they fledge at 52 to 66 days of age.
Migration
Mostly migratory, breeders of Iceland all migrate, probably to Ireland or Britain. Most British breeders move southwards to south France, south Spain, north and central Italy, a few to North Africa. Bulk have left Britain by end October, before main arrivals of Continental birds. Breeders from south Fenno-Scandia and Russia east to and south migrate west and south-west to western seaboard, chiefly Netherlands, Britain, and Ireland, some going further to west and south France and north Spain. Populations of east Russia, Trans-Urals, and west Siberia migrate south through Volga region, then to south Caspian, Azov and Black Seas, and to Mediterranean, particularly Turkey, Greece, Italy, and North Africa, where overlap with north European breeders. Those wintering from Egypt south to East Africa presumably also from Russia. Main autumn migration rather earlier than other Palearctic ducks, except Garganey. Principal passage across Europe in September-October, with major passage through Britain in November. Departs tropical Africa in February, peak movement through Europe mid-March to mid-April, and virtually all breeders returned by early May.
Class Aves
Order Anseriformes
Family Anatidae
Cygnus buccinator
On the Madison River, near 7 mile Bridge on the road from West Yellowstone to Madison Junction. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
15:33 7 February 2014
"The Trumpeter Swan ... is the heaviest bird native to North America and is, on average, the largest extant waterfowl species on Earth. " en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trumpeter_Swan
Bull Island, Dublin 20th & 21st-May-2018
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Tadorna ferruginea | [UK] Ruddy Shelduck | [FR] Tadorne casarca | [DE] Rostgans | [ES] Tarro Canelo | [IT] Casarca ferruginea | [NL] Casarca
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 110 cm
spanwidth max.: 135 cm
size min.: 58 cm
size max.: 70 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 28 days
incubation max.: 29 days
fledging min.: 51 days
fledging max.: 58 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 7
eggs max.: 10
Physical characteristics
Its main body colour is a variable orange-brown with a black rump and tail. Adult males have a cream head and neck, and a narrow black collar during the breeding season. Females have a paler, almost white patch on the face and do not have a black collar. Nests in rock recess, rock faces, ruins, buildings and on trees.
Habitat
Unlike Shelduck, has not extended range to maritime coastal habitats but occupies wider spectrum of inland biotopes, from coasts of inland seas and lakes, salt lagoons and marshes, rivers, streams, and pools, up to hills, high plateaux, and mountainous regions, reaching nearly 5000 m in Pamirs and Tibet. Dependence on water for resting and feeding less than for most Anatinae, although needs access to some, shallow and preferably saline. Often on unvegetated banks and in steppe or semi-desert, with only small pools or streams accessible. Breeding recorded several kilometres from water.
Other details
Tadorna ferruginea is a widespread breeder across much of south-eastern Europe, which accounts for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is relatively small (30%) over three generations.
A bird with a very fragmented distribution from north-western Africa and south-eastern Europe to Central Asia, as far East as Lake Baykal and Mongolia. A small population also exists in Ethiopia. The birds of north-western Africa formerly also used to visit southern Spain in winter, but in this country observations are currently only sporadic. In the European Union the species is today only occurring in Greece. These birds belong to the population of the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, which has undergone a strong decline during the twentieth century, but seems currently to be quite stable. It is estimated at 20000 individuals
Feeding
Omnivorous; plant material probably predominates, but proportions vary with locality and season. On land, where feeds more often than Shelduck, plucks vegetation and picks up seeds and invertebrates. Also grubs in wet soil, and dabbles and up-ends in shallow water.
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 170,000-220,000 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
Eggs are laid from mid-March to early may. The nests are holes in sand or clay banks, either natural or excavated by another animal; in abandoned buildings and farm sheds. In hollow trees up to 10 m above ground, crevices in rocks and cliffs, rarely on cliff ledge in the open. Nest is a shallow depression lined with down, occasionally a little grass is incorporated. Clutch size is 8-9 eggs, ranging from 6-12. This species incubates only one brood. Incubation period anges from 28-29 days and the young fldge after about 55 days.
Migration
Mainly dispersive or nomadic, but some migratory, especially from northern parts of breeding range. North African population, which formerly (to c. 1970s) wintered regularly in Spain, no longer migrates northward to Europe. Southward dispersal by some breeders of Balkans and Black Sea countries.
Grange Castle Business Park, Kilmahuddrick Co. Dublin
19-03-2020
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Netta rufina | [UK] Red-crested Pochard | [FR] Nette rousse | [DE] Kolbenente | [ES] Pato Colorado | [IT] Fistione turco | [NL] Krooneend
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 85 cm
spanwidth max.: 90 cm
size min.: 53 cm
size max.: 57 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 26 days
incubation max.: 28 days
fledging min.: 45 days
fledging max.: 50 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 7
eggs max.: 11
Common Goldeneye Ducks photogrphed on Sesekinika Lake located in Grenfell Township in Northern Ontario Canada
Common Golden Eye Duck - Bucephala clangula Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
Bull Island, Dublin 20th & 21st-May-2018
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Tadorna ferruginea | [UK] Ruddy Shelduck | [FR] Tadorne casarca | [DE] Rostgans | [ES] Tarro Canelo | [IT] Casarca ferruginea | [NL] Casarca
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 110 cm
spanwidth max.: 135 cm
size min.: 58 cm
size max.: 70 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 28 days
incubation max.: 29 days
fledging min.: 51 days
fledging max.: 58 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 7
eggs max.: 10
Physical characteristics
Its main body colour is a variable orange-brown with a black rump and tail. Adult males have a cream head and neck, and a narrow black collar during the breeding season. Females have a paler, almost white patch on the face and do not have a black collar. Nests in rock recess, rock faces, ruins, buildings and on trees.
Habitat
Unlike Shelduck, has not extended range to maritime coastal habitats but occupies wider spectrum of inland biotopes, from coasts of inland seas and lakes, salt lagoons and marshes, rivers, streams, and pools, up to hills, high plateaux, and mountainous regions, reaching nearly 5000 m in Pamirs and Tibet. Dependence on water for resting and feeding less than for most Anatinae, although needs access to some, shallow and preferably saline. Often on unvegetated banks and in steppe or semi-desert, with only small pools or streams accessible. Breeding recorded several kilometres from water.
Other details
Tadorna ferruginea is a widespread breeder across much of south-eastern Europe, which accounts for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is relatively small (30%) over three generations.
A bird with a very fragmented distribution from north-western Africa and south-eastern Europe to Central Asia, as far East as Lake Baykal and Mongolia. A small population also exists in Ethiopia. The birds of north-western Africa formerly also used to visit southern Spain in winter, but in this country observations are currently only sporadic. In the European Union the species is today only occurring in Greece. These birds belong to the population of the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, which has undergone a strong decline during the twentieth century, but seems currently to be quite stable. It is estimated at 20000 individuals
Feeding
Omnivorous; plant material probably predominates, but proportions vary with locality and season. On land, where feeds more often than Shelduck, plucks vegetation and picks up seeds and invertebrates. Also grubs in wet soil, and dabbles and up-ends in shallow water.
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 170,000-220,000 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
Eggs are laid from mid-March to early may. The nests are holes in sand or clay banks, either natural or excavated by another animal; in abandoned buildings and farm sheds. In hollow trees up to 10 m above ground, crevices in rocks and cliffs, rarely on cliff ledge in the open. Nest is a shallow depression lined with down, occasionally a little grass is incorporated. Clutch size is 8-9 eggs, ranging from 6-12. This species incubates only one brood. Incubation period anges from 28-29 days and the young fldge after about 55 days.
Migration
Mainly dispersive or nomadic, but some migratory, especially from northern parts of breeding range. North African population, which formerly (to c. 1970s) wintered regularly in Spain, no longer migrates northward to Europe. Southward dispersal by some breeders of Balkans and Black Sea countries.
Madagascar Grebe and Meller's Duck at Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar, 131128. Tachybaptus pelzelnii. Podicipediformes: Podicipedidae. Anas melleri. Anseriformes: Anatidae.
landed in the back yard, the crows scared them off and the light was low already, that's why the photo is not good at all
Ordnung:
Anseriformes
Familie :
Anatidae
Gattung:
Anas
Wissenschaftlich :
Anas platyrhynchos
Zitat:
Linnaeus, 1758
Referenz:
Syst.Nat.ed.10 p.125
Protonym:
Anas platyrhynchos
Avibase ID:
D6F5A788399B36E7
Kurzlink:
Taxonomic Serial Number:
TSN: 175063
Afrikaans: Groenkopeend
Arabisch: البُركة, البُركة بو الخصيف, الخضيري
Asturian: Coríu Rial
Aserbaidschanisch: Yaşılbaş ördək
Weißrussisch: Качка-крыжанка, Крыжанка
Bulgarisch: Зеленоглава патица
Bengali: নীলমাথা হাঁস
Bretonisch: An houad-korz, Houad, Houad-korz
Katalanisch: Ànec collverd, Ànec coll-verd, Collverd, Coll-verd
Catalan (Balears): Collverd
Valencian: Coll-verd
Tschechisch: Kachna divoká
Tschuwaschisch: Кăвакал-хай
Walisisch: Cors hwyad, Corshwyaden, Garan hwyad, Hwyaden wyllt
Dänisch: Gråand
Deutsch: Laysanente, Stockente, Stockente-platyrhynchus
Griechisch: [prasinokefali], Πρασινοκέφαλη, Πρασινοκέφαλη Πάπια
Greek (Cypriot): Πρασινοτζέφαλη
Englisch: Common mallard, Green-headed Duck, Green-headed mallard, Greenland, Mallard, Mallard Duck, Mallard or Mexican Duck, Mexican Duck, New Mexican Duck, Northern mallard
English (Kenya): Mallard
English (Philippines): Mallard
Esperanto: Platbeka anaso
Spanisch: Anade Azulón, Ánade azulón, Anade real, Ánade Real, Azulón, Pato Cabeciverde, Pato de Collar, Pato Inglés, Pato Real
Spanish (Argentine): Ánade Real, Azulón
Spanish (Chile): Pato de collar
Spanish (Colombia): Pato doméstico, Pato Real
Spanish (Costa Rica): Pato Cabeciverde
Spanish (Cuba): Pato Inglés
Spanish (Dominican Rep.): Pato Inglés
Spanish (Spain): Ánade Azulón
Spanish (Honduras): Pato de collar
Spanish (Mexico): Pato de Collar
Spanish (Nicaragua): Pato Cabeciverde
Spanish (Panama): Pato Cabeciverde
Spanish (Puerto Rico): Pato Cabeciverde
Spanish (Uruguay): Pato Cabeciverde
Estnisch: sinikael-part
Baskisch: Ànec collverd, Basahate, Basahatea
Finnisch: Heinä- eli sinisorsa, Sinisorsa
Färöisch: Stokkont, Stokk-ont, Villdunna
Französisch: Canard colvert, Canard colvert ou C. du Mexique, Canard malard
Friulisch: Masurin, Mazar, Mazorin, Raze grande
Friesisch: Wylde ein
Irisch: Lacha Fhiáin, Mallard
Gälisch-Schottisch: Lach, Lacha Chinn Naine, Tunnag Fhiadhaich
Galicisch: Alavanco real, Ànec collverd, Lavanco, Pato real
Manx: Laagh Voirrey, Thunnag Feie
Haitian Creole French: Kanna kolvèt
Hebräisch: ברכיה, ברכייה
Kroatisch: Divlja Patka
Ungarisch: Tokés réce, Tõkés réce, Tőkés réce
Armenisch: [Krnchan Bud ], Կռնչան Բադ
Indonesisch: Itik kalung
Isländisch: Stokkönd
Italienisch: Germano reale
Inuktitut: Qeerlutooq
Japanisch: Ao-kubi, Hon-gamo, magamo, Ma-gamo
Japanisch: アオクビ, ホンガモ, マガモ
Japanese (Kanji): 本鴨, 真鴨, 青首
Georgisch: გარეული იხვი
Khakas: Сас öртек, Чазы öртегi
Kasachisch: Барылдауық үйрек
Kazakh (Transliteration): barıldawık üyrek
Koreanisch: 청둥오리
Korean (Transliteration): cheongdung-ori
Kaschmiri: [Nilij]
Kornisch: Hos gwyls, Mallart
Latein: Anas [platyrhynchos or diazi], Anas boschas, Anas platyrhynchos, Anas platyrhynchos or diazi, Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos
Luxemburgisch: Wëll Int
Ladin: Anera salvaria
Litauisch: Didžioji antis
Lettisch: Meža pīle
Makedonisch: Дива патка, Патка глуварка
Mongolisch: Зэрлэг нугас
Mongolian (Bichig): ᠵᠠᠷᠯᠢᠭ᠌ ᠨᠣᠭᠣᠰᠣ
Mongolian (Buryat): Һоно нугаһан
Mongolian (Bichig, Inner Mongolia): ᠬᠡᠭᠡᠷ ᠵᠢᠨ ᠨᠣᠭᠣᠰᠣ
Mongolian (Cyrillic, Inner Mongolia): Зэрлэг нугас, Хээрийн нугас
Mongolian (Transliteration): hono nugahan, kheeriŋ nugas, zerleg nug as, zerleg nugas
Malaiisch: Itik Melewar
Maltesisch: Kuluvert
Niederländisch: Wilde eend
Norwegisch: Blåhals, Grasand, Stokkand
Polnisch: krzyzówka, Krzyżówka, Krzyżówka zwyczajna
Pinyin: chén wù, dà hóng-tuǐ yā, dà lǜ-tóu, dà má-yā, dà yě-yā, duì yā, fú, guān yā, lǜ-tóu yā, qīng biān, yě-wù, yě-yā
Portugiesisch: pato real, Pato-real
Portuguese (Portugal): Pato-real
Romansh: Anda selvadia
Rumänisch: Divlio-ratsa, Divlio-ratsoy, Raţă mare
Zigeunersprache: Divlio-ratsoy
Russisch: Kryakva, Кряква, Кряква обыкновенная, Обыкновенная кряква
Sardisch: Anadi conca birdi, Conchirde, Testirde
Schottisch: Lach, Lacha chinn naine, Tounag
Nordsamisch: Suoidnesuorsi
Slowakisch: Kačica divá
Slowenisch: mlakarica, raca mlakarica
Albanisch: Kuqla qafëgjelbër, Rosa e vëndit, Rosë e egër
Serbisch: Divlja patka, divlja patka gluvara, gluvara, Глувара, Дивлја патка, Дивља патка, Патка глувара
Schwedisch: Gräsand, gräsand/mexikansk and
Thailändisch: เป็ดมาลลาร์ด, เป็ดหัวเขียว
Thai (Transliteration): pèt hŭa-kʰĭaw, pèt maanlâad
Turkmenisch: yeşilbaş
Türkisch: Yeşilbaş, Yeşilbaş Ördek, Барылдауық үйрек
Tuwinisch: бос, Черлик өдурек, Чыргырааш өдурек
Ukrainisch: Крижень
Vietnamesisch: Le le, Vịt cổ xanh, Vịt mỏ vàng, Vịt nước
Sorbian, Lower: Źiwa kacka
Sorbian, Upper: Dźiwja kačka
Chinesisch: [chen wu], [da hong-tui ya], [da ma-ya], [da ye-ya], [fu], [lu-tou ya], [qing bian], [ye-wu], [ye-ya], 凫, 大红腿鸭, 大绿头, 大野鸭, 大麻鸭, 官鸭, 对鸭, 晨骛, 沉骛, 綠頭鴨, 绿头鸭, 野骛, 野鸭, 青边
Chinese (Traditional): 大紅腿鴨, 大綠頭, 大野鴨, 大麻鴨, 官鴨, 對鴨, 晨騖, 沉騖, 綠頭鴨, 野騖, 野鴨, 青邊, 鳧
Chinese (Taiwan, Traditional): 綠頭鴨
Chinese (Taiwan): [lu-tou ya], 綠頭鴨, 绿头鸭
Goose hunter make use of a hunting blind at Chino Farms in Chestertown, Md., on Jan. 15, 2016. At over 5,000 acres, Chino Farms was the largest single land preservation deal in Maryland's history. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
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This was a quick, hand-held, long-distance snapshot. The Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) flew away when I got closer. Good reason for an upgrade to my wildlife camera.
According to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, beaver ponds provide an ideal habitat for turtles and other marshland wildlife.
And picturesque beaver lodges make a smart perch for canny birds.
Branta canadensis = Canada Goose
Branta = genus (black geese)
Anatidae = zoological family (ducks, geese, swans)
Anseriformes = zoological order
Photographed at the Dharma Centre of Canada, Kinmount, Ontario.
Wood Buffalo National Park (in Alberta & NWT) has the world's largest known Beaver Dam (850-metre long / 2800 feet) which is visible from space.
Greater Scaup at the Taco Bell marsh in Belen, Valencia Co., NM, 120403. Aythya marila. Anseriformes: Anatidae.
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Cygnus
Species: Cygnus buccinators
Female swans moult shortly after their eggs hatch. During that time they are unable to fly.
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Branta canadensis | [UK] Canada Goose | [FR] Bernache du Canada | [DE] Kanadagans | [ES] Barnacla Canadiense | [IT] Oca del Canada | [NL] Grote Canadese Gans
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 160 cm
spanwidth max.: 175 cm
size min.: 90 cm
size max.: 100 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 28 days
incubation max.: 30 days
fledging min.: 40 days
fledging max.: 48 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 4
eggs max.: 7
Physical characteristics
Many people can recognize a Canada Goose Branta canadensis by its characteristic black head, white cheek patches, and long black neck. However, there are several different races, so a Canada Goose in one region may be quite different from a Canada Goose in another. Although there has been some disagreement about the exact number of races of Canada Geese, most scientists believe that there are 11.
Members of the different races range in size from one of the smallest geese, the Cackling Canada Goose, which can weigh as little as 1.1 kg, to the largest of all geese, the Giant Canada Goose, which can weigh up to 8 kg. Wingspans vary between about 90 cm and 2 m. The underparts range in colour from light pearl-grey to chestnut, and even blackish brown. Differences in body proportions, particularly the relative length of the neck, the body shape, and the body stance, further distinguish the different races. In general, the larger the bird, the longer the neck and the more elongated the body.
Newly hatched Canada Geese have a coat of yellow to olive down that darkens to dull grey over the first few weeks of life. As the birds grow, feathers gradually cover the down, and by the time the young geese are ready to fly in late summer, they are nearly indistinguishable from their parents. From that point on, both males and females look the same throughout the year.
Habitat
You can find Canada Geese on almost any type of wetland, from small ponds to large lakes and rivers. However, Canada Geese spend as much or more time on land as they do in water.
Canada Geese breed in a wide range of habitats. They prefer low-lying areas with great expanses of wet grassy meadows and an abundance of ponds and lakes that serve as refuges from foxes and other land predators. The most northerly geese breed on the treeless tundra of the Arctic. Below the treeline, the geese nest in the open boreal forest, with its scattered stands of stunted spruce and tamarack. Nesting Canada Geese are at home in many places, from sheltered mountain streams and prairie pothole ponds to golf courses and urban parks. During fall and winter, Canada Geese favour agricultural land where vast fields of cereal grains and other crops provide abundant food and relative safety from predators.
Other details
This species from North America has been introduced in England since the middle of the 17th century and in Sweden since 1933. It has now colonised northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. The population of the European Union is totalling 30000-35000 breeding pairs, and, despite being considered a pest in many areas, it is still introduced in some new areas
Feeding
Unlike many waterfowl species that feed mainly in aquatic environments, Canada Geese feed mostly on land. In spring and summer, they mostly graze on the leaves of grassy plants, but they also eat a wide variety of leaves, flowers, stems, roots, seeds, and berries. The geese must consume large quantities of food to obtain the nutrients they need, and they frequently spend 12 hours a day or more feeding. During the winter, Canada Geese often feed in fields where they find an abundance of spilled corn, oats, soybeans, and other crops. When such energy-rich foods are available, they often feed in the fields for a few hours in early morning and late afternoon and spend the rest of the day resting in safety on a lake or large river. Some Canada Geese graze on lawns, in parks, and on golf courses.
Spring is a very energetically demanding time in a goose's life, especially for breeding females. Canada Geese feed intensively during the few weeks before they leave southern agricultural areas to prepare for a period with little food when they first arrive on the northern breeding grounds. They will need sufficient reserves of fat and protein to complete migration, produce a clutch of eggs, and survive for about one month of incubation.
Conservation
Branta canadensis has a large range, breeding across tundra in much of Canada, Alaska (USA), and parts of the northern USA, and wintering in southern North America, including Mexico. Introduced populations are now resident in much of the USA south of the normal breeding range, as well as in a number of western European countries. It has an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of >10,000,000 km2, and has a correspondingly large global population, estimated at 1,000,000-10,000,000 individuals. Although hunting and other direct mortality takes a substantial toll, this species has increased its range and population since the 1940s1, and is thus evaluated as Least Concern. [conservation status from birdlife.org]
Breeding
The Canada Geese breed earlier in the season than many birds. Breeding is timed so that the eggs hatch when the plants that the goslings, or young geese, eat have their highest nutritional value. The hatch date also allows enough time for the goslings to grow big enough to fly south before freeze-up. Canada Geese that breed in temperate areas, with mild temperatures, begin nesting as soon as conditions are favourable in spring, in some cases as early as mid-March. Canada Geese that breed in the north reach nesting areas in late April or early May, later for Arctic breeders.
Some Canada Geese breed when they are one year old, but the vast majority do not nest for the first time until they are at least two or three. Usually five to seven eggs are laid, with older birds producing more eggs than birds nesting for the first time. The female incubates the eggs for 25 to 28 days while the male stands guard nearby. In some cases, he may be several hundred metres from the nest but is always vigilant and joins the female if the nest is threatened or if she leaves the nest. During the incubation period the female leaves the nest only briefly each day to feed and drink and bathe.
Most nest sites are located near water and often on islands. Nest sites are chosen to offer some protection from exposure to wind while giving the incubating female a clear line of sight to detect approaching predators. Female Canada Geese always return to nest in the same area where their parents nested and often use the same nest site year after year.
Soon after the young have hatched, families leave their nests, sometimes walking several kilometres in a few days to reach their brood-rearing area. If the geese have nested near the seacoast, they may descend the rivers to more favourable coastal marsh areas. From the moment they leave the nest, goslings feed on grasses and sedges in meadows and along shorelines.
A pair and its goslings are an almost inseparable troupe, acting in unison. Usually the female leads the way, followed by the young, with the gander, or male, bringing up the rear. When another goose family ventures too close, both the parents and young assume threatening postures and make a lot of noise. Numbers and not the size or weight of the adults seems to be decisive-large families almost always defeat small families, which in turn defeat pairs without young. Most encounters are settled without physical contact, and prolonged fights are rare.
From six to nine weeks after hatching, depending on the race, the birds are ready to take to the air as a family unit. By this time, only about half of the goslings that hatched still survive. In the north, Canada Geese feed on berries and put on a layer of fat before their southward migration. Prior to migration, the families come together into groups of a few to several dozen families, often in coastal areas. The last of the Canada Geese linger along northern shores until early October.
Migration
Spring migration for northern-breeding geese begins in late winter and may take several weeks to complete. The geese move slowly northward following the advancing line of melting snow. They make several feeding stops at key areas along the way to build up reserves that will be needed for the final leg of migration and reproduction.
Fall migration begins when the water and soil begin to freeze on the breeding grounds. The trip from breeding to wintering areas is faster than the spring flight north. For example, many Atlantic population Canada Geese travel more than 1 000 km from their breeding grounds in northern Quebec to the main wintering area along the United States eastern seaboard in less than a week. In fact, scientists have tracked some geese marked with radio transmitters that have completed the trip in just one day! Families with goslings migrating south for the first time probably take longer than adults without goslings.
In addition to the annual migration from breeding to wintering grounds, Canada Geese sometimes undertake a special voyage called a moult migration. Every year, geese must replace their worn-out flight feathers. The feathers are replaced all at once, so the geese cannot fly during the four- to five-week moulting period. The best places for the geese during this time are those with lots of open water where the birds can seek refuge if threatened and where they may find a good supply of the protein-rich food needed for growing new feathers. Most of the geese that don't breed during the season undertake this migration, which usually involves travelling north, often well beyond the normal breeding range, between late May and early June. Successful breeders moult later in the season, remaining with their young goslings, which have not begun to fly. Feral populations mostly sedentary.
Photographed this male Mallard Duck on Gillies Lake located on the Gillies Lake Conservation Area in Timmins Ontario Canada.
Perhaps the most familiar of all ducks, Mallards occur throughout North America and Eurasia in ponds and parks as well as wilder wetlands and estuaries. The male’s gleaming green head, gray flanks, and black tail-curl arguably make it the most easily identified duck. Mallards have long been hunted for the table, and almost all domestic ducks come from this species.
Mallard Duck - Anas platyrhynchos Order: Anseriformes Family" Anatidae
Bull Island, Dublin 20th & 21st-May-2018
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Tadorna ferruginea | [UK] Ruddy Shelduck | [FR] Tadorne casarca | [DE] Rostgans | [ES] Tarro Canelo | [IT] Casarca ferruginea | [NL] Casarca
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 110 cm
spanwidth max.: 135 cm
size min.: 58 cm
size max.: 70 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 28 days
incubation max.: 29 days
fledging min.: 51 days
fledging max.: 58 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 7
eggs max.: 10
Physical characteristics
Its main body colour is a variable orange-brown with a black rump and tail. Adult males have a cream head and neck, and a narrow black collar during the breeding season. Females have a paler, almost white patch on the face and do not have a black collar. Nests in rock recess, rock faces, ruins, buildings and on trees.
Habitat
Unlike Shelduck, has not extended range to maritime coastal habitats but occupies wider spectrum of inland biotopes, from coasts of inland seas and lakes, salt lagoons and marshes, rivers, streams, and pools, up to hills, high plateaux, and mountainous regions, reaching nearly 5000 m in Pamirs and Tibet. Dependence on water for resting and feeding less than for most Anatinae, although needs access to some, shallow and preferably saline. Often on unvegetated banks and in steppe or semi-desert, with only small pools or streams accessible. Breeding recorded several kilometres from water.
Other details
Tadorna ferruginea is a widespread breeder across much of south-eastern Europe, which accounts for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is relatively small (30%) over three generations.
A bird with a very fragmented distribution from north-western Africa and south-eastern Europe to Central Asia, as far East as Lake Baykal and Mongolia. A small population also exists in Ethiopia. The birds of north-western Africa formerly also used to visit southern Spain in winter, but in this country observations are currently only sporadic. In the European Union the species is today only occurring in Greece. These birds belong to the population of the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, which has undergone a strong decline during the twentieth century, but seems currently to be quite stable. It is estimated at 20000 individuals
Feeding
Omnivorous; plant material probably predominates, but proportions vary with locality and season. On land, where feeds more often than Shelduck, plucks vegetation and picks up seeds and invertebrates. Also grubs in wet soil, and dabbles and up-ends in shallow water.
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 170,000-220,000 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
Eggs are laid from mid-March to early may. The nests are holes in sand or clay banks, either natural or excavated by another animal; in abandoned buildings and farm sheds. In hollow trees up to 10 m above ground, crevices in rocks and cliffs, rarely on cliff ledge in the open. Nest is a shallow depression lined with down, occasionally a little grass is incorporated. Clutch size is 8-9 eggs, ranging from 6-12. This species incubates only one brood. Incubation period anges from 28-29 days and the young fldge after about 55 days.
Migration
Mainly dispersive or nomadic, but some migratory, especially from northern parts of breeding range. North African population, which formerly (to c. 1970s) wintered regularly in Spain, no longer migrates northward to Europe. Southward dispersal by some breeders of Balkans and Black Sea countries.
Size approx 120cm.
Superdomain: Neomura
Domain: Eukaryota
(unranked): Unikonta
(unranked): Obazoa
(unranked): Opisthokonta
(unranked) Holozoa
(unranked) Filozoa
Kingdom: Animalia
Subkingdom: Eumetazoa
Clade: ParaHoxozoa
Clade: Bilateria
Clade: Nephrozoa
Superphylum: Deuterostomia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Superclass: Tetrapoda
Microphylum: Amniota
Nanophylum: Diapsida
(unranked): Archosauria
Superclass: Archosauromorpha
Class: Aves
Subclass: Neornithes
Infraclass: Neognathae
Superorder: Galloanserae
Clade: Odontoanserae
Order: Anseriformes
Suborder: Anseres
Superfamily: Anatoidea
Family: Anatidae
Subfamily: Anserinae
Genus: Cygnus
Species: C. olor
Bull Island, Dublin 20th & 21st-May-2018
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Tadorna ferruginea | [UK] Ruddy Shelduck | [FR] Tadorne casarca | [DE] Rostgans | [ES] Tarro Canelo | [IT] Casarca ferruginea | [NL] Casarca
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 110 cm
spanwidth max.: 135 cm
size min.: 58 cm
size max.: 70 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 28 days
incubation max.: 29 days
fledging min.: 51 days
fledging max.: 58 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 7
eggs max.: 10
Physical characteristics
Its main body colour is a variable orange-brown with a black rump and tail. Adult males have a cream head and neck, and a narrow black collar during the breeding season. Females have a paler, almost white patch on the face and do not have a black collar. Nests in rock recess, rock faces, ruins, buildings and on trees.
Habitat
Unlike Shelduck, has not extended range to maritime coastal habitats but occupies wider spectrum of inland biotopes, from coasts of inland seas and lakes, salt lagoons and marshes, rivers, streams, and pools, up to hills, high plateaux, and mountainous regions, reaching nearly 5000 m in Pamirs and Tibet. Dependence on water for resting and feeding less than for most Anatinae, although needs access to some, shallow and preferably saline. Often on unvegetated banks and in steppe or semi-desert, with only small pools or streams accessible. Breeding recorded several kilometres from water.
Other details
Tadorna ferruginea is a widespread breeder across much of south-eastern Europe, which accounts for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is relatively small (30%) over three generations.
A bird with a very fragmented distribution from north-western Africa and south-eastern Europe to Central Asia, as far East as Lake Baykal and Mongolia. A small population also exists in Ethiopia. The birds of north-western Africa formerly also used to visit southern Spain in winter, but in this country observations are currently only sporadic. In the European Union the species is today only occurring in Greece. These birds belong to the population of the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, which has undergone a strong decline during the twentieth century, but seems currently to be quite stable. It is estimated at 20000 individuals
Feeding
Omnivorous; plant material probably predominates, but proportions vary with locality and season. On land, where feeds more often than Shelduck, plucks vegetation and picks up seeds and invertebrates. Also grubs in wet soil, and dabbles and up-ends in shallow water.
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 170,000-220,000 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
Eggs are laid from mid-March to early may. The nests are holes in sand or clay banks, either natural or excavated by another animal; in abandoned buildings and farm sheds. In hollow trees up to 10 m above ground, crevices in rocks and cliffs, rarely on cliff ledge in the open. Nest is a shallow depression lined with down, occasionally a little grass is incorporated. Clutch size is 8-9 eggs, ranging from 6-12. This species incubates only one brood. Incubation period anges from 28-29 days and the young fldge after about 55 days.
Migration
Mainly dispersive or nomadic, but some migratory, especially from northern parts of breeding range. North African population, which formerly (to c. 1970s) wintered regularly in Spain, no longer migrates northward to Europe. Southward dispersal by some breeders of Balkans and Black Sea countries.
landed in the back yard, the crows scared them off and the light was low already, that's why the photo is not good at all
Ordnung:
Anseriformes
Familie :
Anatidae
Gattung:
Anas
Wissenschaftlich :
Anas platyrhynchos
Zitat:
Linnaeus, 1758
Referenz:
Syst.Nat.ed.10 p.125
Protonym:
Anas platyrhynchos
Avibase ID:
D6F5A788399B36E7
Kurzlink:
Taxonomic Serial Number:
TSN: 175063
Afrikaans: Groenkopeend
Arabisch: البُركة, البُركة بو الخصيف, الخضيري
Asturian: Coríu Rial
Aserbaidschanisch: Yaşılbaş ördək
Weißrussisch: Качка-крыжанка, Крыжанка
Bulgarisch: Зеленоглава патица
Bengali: নীলমাথা হাঁস
Bretonisch: An houad-korz, Houad, Houad-korz
Katalanisch: Ànec collverd, Ànec coll-verd, Collverd, Coll-verd
Catalan (Balears): Collverd
Valencian: Coll-verd
Tschechisch: Kachna divoká
Tschuwaschisch: Кăвакал-хай
Walisisch: Cors hwyad, Corshwyaden, Garan hwyad, Hwyaden wyllt
Dänisch: Gråand
Deutsch: Laysanente, Stockente, Stockente-platyrhynchus
Griechisch: [prasinokefali], Πρασινοκέφαλη, Πρασινοκέφαλη Πάπια
Greek (Cypriot): Πρασινοτζέφαλη
Englisch: Common mallard, Green-headed Duck, Green-headed mallard, Greenland, Mallard, Mallard Duck, Mallard or Mexican Duck, Mexican Duck, New Mexican Duck, Northern mallard
English (Kenya): Mallard
English (Philippines): Mallard
Esperanto: Platbeka anaso
Spanisch: Anade Azulón, Ánade azulón, Anade real, Ánade Real, Azulón, Pato Cabeciverde, Pato de Collar, Pato Inglés, Pato Real
Spanish (Argentine): Ánade Real, Azulón
Spanish (Chile): Pato de collar
Spanish (Colombia): Pato doméstico, Pato Real
Spanish (Costa Rica): Pato Cabeciverde
Spanish (Cuba): Pato Inglés
Spanish (Dominican Rep.): Pato Inglés
Spanish (Spain): Ánade Azulón
Spanish (Honduras): Pato de collar
Spanish (Mexico): Pato de Collar
Spanish (Nicaragua): Pato Cabeciverde
Spanish (Panama): Pato Cabeciverde
Spanish (Puerto Rico): Pato Cabeciverde
Spanish (Uruguay): Pato Cabeciverde
Estnisch: sinikael-part
Baskisch: Ànec collverd, Basahate, Basahatea
Finnisch: Heinä- eli sinisorsa, Sinisorsa
Färöisch: Stokkont, Stokk-ont, Villdunna
Französisch: Canard colvert, Canard colvert ou C. du Mexique, Canard malard
Friulisch: Masurin, Mazar, Mazorin, Raze grande
Friesisch: Wylde ein
Irisch: Lacha Fhiáin, Mallard
Gälisch-Schottisch: Lach, Lacha Chinn Naine, Tunnag Fhiadhaich
Galicisch: Alavanco real, Ànec collverd, Lavanco, Pato real
Manx: Laagh Voirrey, Thunnag Feie
Haitian Creole French: Kanna kolvèt
Hebräisch: ברכיה, ברכייה
Kroatisch: Divlja Patka
Ungarisch: Tokés réce, Tõkés réce, Tőkés réce
Armenisch: [Krnchan Bud ], Կռնչան Բադ
Indonesisch: Itik kalung
Isländisch: Stokkönd
Italienisch: Germano reale
Inuktitut: Qeerlutooq
Japanisch: Ao-kubi, Hon-gamo, magamo, Ma-gamo
Japanisch: アオクビ, ホンガモ, マガモ
Japanese (Kanji): 本鴨, 真鴨, 青首
Georgisch: გარეული იხვი
Khakas: Сас öртек, Чазы öртегi
Kasachisch: Барылдауық үйрек
Kazakh (Transliteration): barıldawık üyrek
Koreanisch: 청둥오리
Korean (Transliteration): cheongdung-ori
Kaschmiri: [Nilij]
Kornisch: Hos gwyls, Mallart
Latein: Anas [platyrhynchos or diazi], Anas boschas, Anas platyrhynchos, Anas platyrhynchos or diazi, Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos
Luxemburgisch: Wëll Int
Ladin: Anera salvaria
Litauisch: Didžioji antis
Lettisch: Meža pīle
Makedonisch: Дива патка, Патка глуварка
Mongolisch: Зэрлэг нугас
Mongolian (Bichig): ᠵᠠᠷᠯᠢᠭ᠌ ᠨᠣᠭᠣᠰᠣ
Mongolian (Buryat): Һоно нугаһан
Mongolian (Bichig, Inner Mongolia): ᠬᠡᠭᠡᠷ ᠵᠢᠨ ᠨᠣᠭᠣᠰᠣ
Mongolian (Cyrillic, Inner Mongolia): Зэрлэг нугас, Хээрийн нугас
Mongolian (Transliteration): hono nugahan, kheeriŋ nugas, zerleg nug as, zerleg nugas
Malaiisch: Itik Melewar
Maltesisch: Kuluvert
Niederländisch: Wilde eend
Norwegisch: Blåhals, Grasand, Stokkand
Polnisch: krzyzówka, Krzyżówka, Krzyżówka zwyczajna
Pinyin: chén wù, dà hóng-tuǐ yā, dà lǜ-tóu, dà má-yā, dà yě-yā, duì yā, fú, guān yā, lǜ-tóu yā, qīng biān, yě-wù, yě-yā
Portugiesisch: pato real, Pato-real
Portuguese (Portugal): Pato-real
Romansh: Anda selvadia
Rumänisch: Divlio-ratsa, Divlio-ratsoy, Raţă mare
Zigeunersprache: Divlio-ratsoy
Russisch: Kryakva, Кряква, Кряква обыкновенная, Обыкновенная кряква
Sardisch: Anadi conca birdi, Conchirde, Testirde
Schottisch: Lach, Lacha chinn naine, Tounag
Nordsamisch: Suoidnesuorsi
Slowakisch: Kačica divá
Slowenisch: mlakarica, raca mlakarica
Albanisch: Kuqla qafëgjelbër, Rosa e vëndit, Rosë e egër
Serbisch: Divlja patka, divlja patka gluvara, gluvara, Глувара, Дивлја патка, Дивља патка, Патка глувара
Schwedisch: Gräsand, gräsand/mexikansk and
Thailändisch: เป็ดมาลลาร์ด, เป็ดหัวเขียว
Thai (Transliteration): pèt hŭa-kʰĭaw, pèt maanlâad
Turkmenisch: yeşilbaş
Türkisch: Yeşilbaş, Yeşilbaş Ördek, Барылдауық үйрек
Tuwinisch: бос, Черлик өдурек, Чыргырааш өдурек
Ukrainisch: Крижень
Vietnamesisch: Le le, Vịt cổ xanh, Vịt mỏ vàng, Vịt nước
Sorbian, Lower: Źiwa kacka
Sorbian, Upper: Dźiwja kačka
Chinesisch: [chen wu], [da hong-tui ya], [da ma-ya], [da ye-ya], [fu], [lu-tou ya], [qing bian], [ye-wu], [ye-ya], 凫, 大红腿鸭, 大绿头, 大野鸭, 大麻鸭, 官鸭, 对鸭, 晨骛, 沉骛, 綠頭鴨, 绿头鸭, 野骛, 野鸭, 青边
Chinese (Traditional): 大紅腿鴨, 大綠頭, 大野鴨, 大麻鴨, 官鴨, 對鴨, 晨騖, 沉騖, 綠頭鴨, 野騖, 野鴨, 青邊, 鳧
Chinese (Taiwan, Traditional): 綠頭鴨
Chinese (Taiwan): [lu-tou ya], 綠頭鴨, 绿头鸭
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Alopochen aegyptiacus | [UK] Egyptian Goose | [FR] Ouette d'Égypte | [DE] Nilgans | [ES] Oca del Nilo | [IT] Oca egiziana | [NL] Nijlgans | [IRL] Gé ghiúrainn
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 130 cm
spanwidth max.: 145 cm
size min.: 63 cm
size max.: 73 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 28 days
incubation max.: 30 days
fledging min.: 70 days
fledging max.: 75 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 7
eggs max.: 10
Status: Local winter visitor from Greenland, occurring in Ireland between October & April.
Conservation Concern: Amber-listed in Ireland as the majority winter at less than ten sites. The European population is considered to be Secure.
Identification: Small compact goose, with small rounded head and short black bill. It has a black neck and breast and mostly-white head, barred grey upperparts and pale underparts. Identified in flight by a strong contrast between the black breast and the whitish belly.
Similar Species: Other goose species, such as Brent Goose.
Call: High-pitched monosyllabic shrill or bark.
Diet: Primarily grazers, feeding on grasses and sedges on the tundra during the breeding season, and on coastal pastures during the winter.
Breeding: Irish Barnacle Geese breed in Greenland. The species also breeds in Siberia, as well as in increasing numbers around the Baltic Sea.
Wintering: Winters in western Scotland and Ireland. Mostly on remote islands in the northwest Ireland and western Scotland where it is relatively free from disturbance. Highly gregarious.
Where to See: The most important sites are the Inishkea Islands in County Mayo and Ballintemple in County Sligo, each supporting over 2,500 birds. Trawbreaga Bay in County Donegal, Malin Head in County Donegal and Rathlin O’Birne in County Donegal also support relatively large flocks (usually 500-800 birds).
Physical characteristics
Egyptian geese have long necks, long pink legs, a pink bill and brown eye patches encircling each eye. They are distinguished from closely related species by a brown patch in the middle of the chest. The upper wings and the head are brown, while the rest of the body is light brown. The underside of the wings is white and green. Juveniles do not have the brown eye patches or a patch on the chest. Egyptian geese are anywhere from 63 to 73 cm in height and they can weigh from 1.5 to 2.3 kg. The wingspan is fairly large, measuring 38 cm, on average.
Distinguishing between males and females can be a challenge. The females are smaller than the males, but otherwise both sexes look alike. One way to tell them apart is by their sound. Males make a raspy hiss, while females produce a cackling sound. Although they are not terribly vocal, when they are feeling aggressive or stressed they will make a great deal of noise.
These geese stay together in small flocks throughout the year, mainly for protection. Egyptian geese pair up during the breeding season, but otherwise they remain in their flocks. Although they are mainly sedentary, they move to another body of water if a period of drought occurs in their current home range. They may wander from the water during the day in search of food in either the grasslands or agricultural fields. They always return to the water at night.
Habitat
Egyptian geese will not populate densely wooded areas, though they can be found in meadows, grasslands, and agricultural fields. Most of their time is spent in rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and wetlands. They can be found as high as 4000 m.
Other details
Alopochen aegyptiaca is widely distributed throughout its native range, Africa, and southern Europe. It is especially common in southern Africa, below the Sahara and in the Nile Valley. In the 18th century, Alopochen aegyptiaca was introduced into Great Britain, and a substantial population still thrives there today. Currently Alopochen aegyptiaca is colonizing the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.
Introduced 18th century in West Europe, the range of feral (returned to wild) population has increased in recent years. Breeds ferally also in Netherlands since 1970s and Belgium since 1982, with a few pairs in France and Germany. Birds seen sporadically elsewhere in Europe also regarded as of captive origin, though some older southern records perhaps wild birds, as former breeding range uncertain. Occasional records in Israel, where perhaps bred formerly. Formerly scarce winter visitor to Cyprus, and has occasionally wintered Tunisia and Algeria.
Feeding
Egyptian geese are mainly herbivores, they eat young grass from grasslands or savannahs, grains (particularly wheat) from agricultural fields, and soft vegetation like leaves and other detritus. Many tend to forage away from the water in pastures or arable land. Part of their diet includes a wide variety of small insects, terrestrial worms and frogs that live in nearby ponds.
Conservation
This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 19,000,000 km². It has a large global population estimated to be 210,000-530,000 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 males are quite aggressive when mating. Each male performs a noisy and elaborate courtship display, emitting unusually loud honking noises. Under normal circumstances, Egyptian geese are reserved, quiet animals, but during mating season they are just the opposite. A male will act in this manner in order to attract a female. Since Egyptian geese are monogamous, one male and one female nest alone in dense vegetation, holes, or simply on the ground.
Egyptian geese breed in the spring or at the end of the dry season (The breeding season is anywhere from July to March, depending on the area). At the age of two, Alopochen aeygptiacus reach sexual maturity. Nest locations are usually near water for safety and near grassland for feeding; the nests are made out of feathers and vegetation and are located in dense vegetation, holes, or simply on the ground. Pairs sometimes find nests on the ground or use deserted nests of other larger bird species (such as Buteo buteo (common buzzard) or Pica pica (black-billed magpie)), which can be located in trees or on high ledges. The male goose fertilizes the female internally. Five to twelve eggs are laid, and they are incubated for 28 to 30 days. The young fledge in 70 days. Incubation lasts from 28 to 30 days and is done by both parents. The father protects the eggs and chicks, while the mother guides them and keeps them close to her.
Bull Island, Dublin 20th & 21st-May-2018
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Tadorna ferruginea | [UK] Ruddy Shelduck | [FR] Tadorne casarca | [DE] Rostgans | [ES] Tarro Canelo | [IT] Casarca ferruginea | [NL] Casarca
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 110 cm
spanwidth max.: 135 cm
size min.: 58 cm
size max.: 70 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 28 days
incubation max.: 29 days
fledging min.: 51 days
fledging max.: 58 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 7
eggs max.: 10
Physical characteristics
Its main body colour is a variable orange-brown with a black rump and tail. Adult males have a cream head and neck, and a narrow black collar during the breeding season. Females have a paler, almost white patch on the face and do not have a black collar. Nests in rock recess, rock faces, ruins, buildings and on trees.
Habitat
Unlike Shelduck, has not extended range to maritime coastal habitats but occupies wider spectrum of inland biotopes, from coasts of inland seas and lakes, salt lagoons and marshes, rivers, streams, and pools, up to hills, high plateaux, and mountainous regions, reaching nearly 5000 m in Pamirs and Tibet. Dependence on water for resting and feeding less than for most Anatinae, although needs access to some, shallow and preferably saline. Often on unvegetated banks and in steppe or semi-desert, with only small pools or streams accessible. Breeding recorded several kilometres from water.
Other details
Tadorna ferruginea is a widespread breeder across much of south-eastern Europe, which accounts for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is relatively small (30%) over three generations.
A bird with a very fragmented distribution from north-western Africa and south-eastern Europe to Central Asia, as far East as Lake Baykal and Mongolia. A small population also exists in Ethiopia. The birds of north-western Africa formerly also used to visit southern Spain in winter, but in this country observations are currently only sporadic. In the European Union the species is today only occurring in Greece. These birds belong to the population of the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, which has undergone a strong decline during the twentieth century, but seems currently to be quite stable. It is estimated at 20000 individuals
Feeding
Omnivorous; plant material probably predominates, but proportions vary with locality and season. On land, where feeds more often than Shelduck, plucks vegetation and picks up seeds and invertebrates. Also grubs in wet soil, and dabbles and up-ends in shallow water.
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 170,000-220,000 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
Eggs are laid from mid-March to early may. The nests are holes in sand or clay banks, either natural or excavated by another animal; in abandoned buildings and farm sheds. In hollow trees up to 10 m above ground, crevices in rocks and cliffs, rarely on cliff ledge in the open. Nest is a shallow depression lined with down, occasionally a little grass is incorporated. Clutch size is 8-9 eggs, ranging from 6-12. This species incubates only one brood. Incubation period anges from 28-29 days and the young fldge after about 55 days.
Migration
Mainly dispersive or nomadic, but some migratory, especially from northern parts of breeding range. North African population, which formerly (to c. 1970s) wintered regularly in Spain, no longer migrates northward to Europe. Southward dispersal by some breeders of Balkans and Black Sea countries.
Bull Island, Dublin 20th & 21st-May-2018
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Tadorna ferruginea | [UK] Ruddy Shelduck | [FR] Tadorne casarca | [DE] Rostgans | [ES] Tarro Canelo | [IT] Casarca ferruginea | [NL] Casarca
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 110 cm
spanwidth max.: 135 cm
size min.: 58 cm
size max.: 70 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 28 days
incubation max.: 29 days
fledging min.: 51 days
fledging max.: 58 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 7
eggs max.: 10
Physical characteristics
Its main body colour is a variable orange-brown with a black rump and tail. Adult males have a cream head and neck, and a narrow black collar during the breeding season. Females have a paler, almost white patch on the face and do not have a black collar. Nests in rock recess, rock faces, ruins, buildings and on trees.
Habitat
Unlike Shelduck, has not extended range to maritime coastal habitats but occupies wider spectrum of inland biotopes, from coasts of inland seas and lakes, salt lagoons and marshes, rivers, streams, and pools, up to hills, high plateaux, and mountainous regions, reaching nearly 5000 m in Pamirs and Tibet. Dependence on water for resting and feeding less than for most Anatinae, although needs access to some, shallow and preferably saline. Often on unvegetated banks and in steppe or semi-desert, with only small pools or streams accessible. Breeding recorded several kilometres from water.
Other details
Tadorna ferruginea is a widespread breeder across much of south-eastern Europe, which accounts for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is relatively small (30%) over three generations.
A bird with a very fragmented distribution from north-western Africa and south-eastern Europe to Central Asia, as far East as Lake Baykal and Mongolia. A small population also exists in Ethiopia. The birds of north-western Africa formerly also used to visit southern Spain in winter, but in this country observations are currently only sporadic. In the European Union the species is today only occurring in Greece. These birds belong to the population of the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, which has undergone a strong decline during the twentieth century, but seems currently to be quite stable. It is estimated at 20000 individuals
Feeding
Omnivorous; plant material probably predominates, but proportions vary with locality and season. On land, where feeds more often than Shelduck, plucks vegetation and picks up seeds and invertebrates. Also grubs in wet soil, and dabbles and up-ends in shallow water.
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 170,000-220,000 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
Eggs are laid from mid-March to early may. The nests are holes in sand or clay banks, either natural or excavated by another animal; in abandoned buildings and farm sheds. In hollow trees up to 10 m above ground, crevices in rocks and cliffs, rarely on cliff ledge in the open. Nest is a shallow depression lined with down, occasionally a little grass is incorporated. Clutch size is 8-9 eggs, ranging from 6-12. This species incubates only one brood. Incubation period anges from 28-29 days and the young fldge after about 55 days.
Migration
Mainly dispersive or nomadic, but some migratory, especially from northern parts of breeding range. North African population, which formerly (to c. 1970s) wintered regularly in Spain, no longer migrates northward to Europe. Southward dispersal by some breeders of Balkans and Black Sea countries.
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Cygnus
Species: Cygnus buccinators
Common Name: Trumpeter Swan
Trumpeter swans have a very high cygnet mortality rate. Usually only 40% of eggs reach adulthood.
This swan crashed through the reeds close to me in order to join its mate and Cygnet.
(Anas platyrhynchos)
Aveiro
Portugal
==================***==================
All my photos are now organized into sets by the country where they were taken, by taxonomic order, by family, by species (often with just one photo for the rarer ones), and by the date they were taken.
So, you may find:
- All the photos for this order ANSERIFORMES
- All the photos for this family Anatidae (Anatídeos)
- All the photos for this species Anas platyrhynchos
==================***==================
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Somateria mollissima | [UK] Eider | [FR] Eider à duvet | [DE] Eiderente | [ES] Eider | [IT] Edredone | [NL] Eider | [IRL] Éadar
spanwidth min.: 95 cm
spanwidth max.: 105 cm
size min.: 60 cm
size max.: 70 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 25 days
incubation max.: 28 days
fledging min.: 65 days
fledging max.: 75 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 4
eggs max.: 7
Status: Resident along rocky coasts in the north and north-west of Ireland.
Conservation Concern: Amber-listed in Ireland due to the majority of Eiders wintering at less than ten sites.The European population is regarded as Secure.
Identification: Large and heavy-built, with short neck, large head, long wedge-shaped bill. Birds seen in irregular - loose clusters. Males largely white with black belly, sides and stern. Head white with black crown, and pale green on sides of the nape.
Similar Species: Adult male is unmistakable. Females and immature resemble other duck species.
Call: Male with cooing display-call, and a far carrying 'a-ooh-e'.
Diet: They generally feed by diving in waters up to 20 m depth, feeding predominantly on mussels, other molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms.
Breeding: Eider nest colonially on offshore islets, along low-lying coast, usually where the threat of mammalian predation is minimal. Eider seldom occur far from the sea throughout the year. They breed around the coast of Scotland and northern England and along the north and northwest coasts of Ireland. Up to 100 pairs have been estimated in Ireland.
Wintering: Occurs on shallow, inshore coastal waters, near estuary mouths mostly along the northwest and northeast coastlines.
Where to See: Belfast Lough in County Down and Outer Ards in County Down regularly supports almost 1,000 & 500 birds respectively. Lough Foyle in County Derry, Strangford Lough in County Down, Larne Lough in County Antrim and the Streedagh Estuary in County Sligo are other well-used wintering sites.
Physical characteristics
The Common Eider Somateria mollissima is the largest duck in the northern hemisphere. It weighs an average of 1 800 g, but its weight can vary from 850 to 3 025 g depending on race, sex, and time of year. There are four Common Eider races in North America; subtle differences in body size and bill structure distinguish each race from the other.
The plumage of the Common Eider varies considerably. It passes through several stages while the bird is growing to maturity, and after the bird reaches adulthood at about three years old, the plumage alternates between two colours each year as a result of moulting, or the replacement of old feathers with new. In addition, the male's plumage differs from the female's.
Between the ages of three weeks and three years, male Common Eiders moult their feathers eight times, changing their colour from a juvenile blackish brown to an adult olive-brown and white in winter and a striking black and white, with a small area of light emerald green on the back and sides of the head, during the breeding season. Changes in female plumage are less dramatic: from a juvenile blackish brown, the duck becomes rusty-to-tan. The female's summer colours provide good camouflage in the vegetation and rocks of the offshore islands on which she breeds.
Common Eiders can live 20 years, one of the longest lifespans among sea ducks. However, the expected lifespan for eider populations which are heavily harvested may be much shorter.
Habitat
Of all sea ducks, the Common Eider is the most closely tied to marine habitat. It lives in arctic and subarctic coastal marine areas, where it frequents coastal headlands, offshore islands, skerries, and shoals. The Common Eider rarely leaves the water in the winter, and some races remain as far north as there is open water. The seven races of Common Eiders have different breeding ranges. In North America the southern race Somateria mollissima dresseri breeds from Maine to Hamilton Inlet on the Labrador coast; the northern race Somateria mollissima borealis breeds from northern Labrador to Ellesmere Island in the eastern Canadian Arctic; the Hudson Bay race Somateria mollissima sedentaria remains all year within Hudson Bay; and the Pacific race Somateria mollissima v-nigra breeds from Coronation Gulf in the MacKenzie District of the Northwest Territories to the south side of the Alaskan peninsula. Three subspecies are found outside North America: one in northwest Europe, one in Iceland and a third in the Faeroe Islands north of Great Britain.
The Common Eider belongs to the sea duck tribe (Mergini), which contains closely related ducks, all of which use marine habitats to some degree. The King Eider Somateria spectabilis, Spectacled Eider Somateria fischeri, and Common Eider all belong to the same genus, and hybridization is known to occur between Common and King Eiders. Eider ducks are gregarious, travelling and feeding in flocks numbering from tens to thousands.
Other details
This mainly marine species is breeding on arctic islands, in the north-west and extreme east of Eurasia and in North America. Some populations are sedentary. Others are migratory, wintering mainly in Denmark, northern Germany and the Netherlands, but reaching the Atlantic coasts of France. A few birds are seen in Central Europe and the western Mediterranean. The population of north-western Europe is totalling 1.7 to 2.3 millions of individuals (Scott & Rose). A few birds also reach Greece. They probably belong to a small population inhabiting the Ukrainian shores of the Black Sea
Feeding
Eiders feed during the day by diving to the bottom in waters from 3 to 20 m deep to take mussels, clams, scallops, sea urchins, starfish, and crabs, which are swallowed whole and crushed in the large gizzard.
In winter, when daylight is short, more than half the daytime hours are spent in feeding. The ducks feed in shoal waters off headlands and offshore islands and skerries. Flocks move together at the same rate, the ducks at the front of a flock diving first and the rest following sequentially. After 15 to 30 minutes of intensive feeding, flocks move offshore to rest, preen, and digest the contents of the gullet. The feeding sequence is then repeated.
During spring migration, and when the eider ducks arrive near their breeding places, much time is spent feeding, and the birds accumulate fat. These stores are particularly important for the breeding females, or hens, which rely on the reserves through the incubation period. Unlike many ducks, the hen does not feed once she starts sitting on her eggs. The young apparently eat insects during their first week of life.
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 2,500,000-3,600,000 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
Eiders return to the breeding islands along the northern coasts as soon as shore-fast ice or pack ice starts to dissipate. Many eider ducks are paired when they arrive on the breeding grounds, although some pairing occurs there. Some races remain paired for several years, others do not. Courtship is very intense in spring, with males making displays for the females which include the upward tossing of the head, cooing, neck-stretching and wing-flapping. Courtship continues after pairing in order to maintain pair bonds.
Some female eiders may breed in their second year of life, but males do not breed until they are three years old. Many females will not breed in some years. Common Eiders breed mainly on small offshore marine islands or isolated spits and points that are free of mammalian predators. Within a couple of weeks of arriving at the breeding grounds, the birds make prospecting flights and visits to choose a suitable nesting place. Often females will use the same nesting site for a number of years, while others choose new nest sites each year. They nest in early summer in dense colonies of tens to 10 000 or more; nesting starts progressively later as one proceeds farther north. There is one brood per season.
Only the female prepares the nest. In some races, the male stays with the female for a while; in others, he does not. When he remains, the male defends the female from other eiders and from gulls and ensures that she does not mate with other males.
The female begins laying the eggs a couple of days after the nest is ready. There are usually four or five eggs per nest, and generally, one egg is laid per day. When the second or third egg has been laid, the female lines her nest with down plucked from her body. While laying the egges, some females will leave the nesting colony, possibly to feed before they return to the nest to incubate, or sit on the eggs, continuously. Once incubation begins, the female only leaves the nest for a little as five minutes every two or three days to drink, but not to eat. During early egg-laying, if the male is still in the vicinity, he accompanies the female on her breaks. By mid-incubation, most males have left the colony on their moult migrations. Incubation lasts from 21 to 24 days, and about 50 to 70 percent of the eggs hatch successfully.
The downy newborns leave the nest within 24 hours, and they feed themselves. Within one hour of entering the water, they can dive competently. Young first fly when they are 60 days old. Generally, few survive to fly; many are lost to predators, exposure, or starvation in their first week of life. In good years, one duckling per adult pair may survive for the fall flight. On the other hand, adults are often long--lived, and estimated annual survival rates vary from 80 to 95 percent. This low reproductive success, which is compensated by high adult survival, is very characteristic of eiders and other sea ducks such as scoters and Long-tailed Ducks. Most other ducks breed more successfully but lose 40 to 50 percent of adults each year.
The mother's relationship with her ducklings ends when she leaves for the moult migration in the autumn. In the fall migration, groups of young may travel together and arrive before the adults on the winter range.
Migration
Migratory, partially migratory, and dispersive. In north-west Europe, major moult migration considerably affects picture of normal migration. Breeders and immatures leave nesting grounds for annual moult in German Waddenzee area, leaving ducklings in care of small number of adults which moult locally. First move June, probably mostly immatures, adults following July; some movement as late as September, especially from east. Waddenzee moulting place for virtually all Shelduck in north-west Europe, except for several thousand which moult in Britain, notably in Bridgwater Bay, south-west England. When moult completed, autumn migration begins in rather leisurely fashion. For breeders of Netherlands, Britain, and Ireland, this entails return to breeding areas. Breeding populations from areas to east of moulting grounds winter around coasts of southern North Sea, west France, and to some extent Britain and Ireland; many thousands remain on moulting grounds. Those wintering outside their breeding areas begin return March. Breeding populations of south-east Europe mainly sedentary, flocking in winter, moving only if bad weather. Those breeding Volga area and Ural steppes migrate to Caspian, where join resident breeders. South of main wintering areas, small numbers occur fairly regularly Iberia, Mediterranean basin east to Nile valley and Middle East.
Bull Island, Dublin 20th & 21st-May-2018
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Tadorna ferruginea | [UK] Ruddy Shelduck | [FR] Tadorne casarca | [DE] Rostgans | [ES] Tarro Canelo | [IT] Casarca ferruginea | [NL] Casarca
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 110 cm
spanwidth max.: 135 cm
size min.: 58 cm
size max.: 70 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 28 days
incubation max.: 29 days
fledging min.: 51 days
fledging max.: 58 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 7
eggs max.: 10
Physical characteristics
Its main body colour is a variable orange-brown with a black rump and tail. Adult males have a cream head and neck, and a narrow black collar during the breeding season. Females have a paler, almost white patch on the face and do not have a black collar. Nests in rock recess, rock faces, ruins, buildings and on trees.
Habitat
Unlike Shelduck, has not extended range to maritime coastal habitats but occupies wider spectrum of inland biotopes, from coasts of inland seas and lakes, salt lagoons and marshes, rivers, streams, and pools, up to hills, high plateaux, and mountainous regions, reaching nearly 5000 m in Pamirs and Tibet. Dependence on water for resting and feeding less than for most Anatinae, although needs access to some, shallow and preferably saline. Often on unvegetated banks and in steppe or semi-desert, with only small pools or streams accessible. Breeding recorded several kilometres from water.
Other details
Tadorna ferruginea is a widespread breeder across much of south-eastern Europe, which accounts for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is relatively small (30%) over three generations.
A bird with a very fragmented distribution from north-western Africa and south-eastern Europe to Central Asia, as far East as Lake Baykal and Mongolia. A small population also exists in Ethiopia. The birds of north-western Africa formerly also used to visit southern Spain in winter, but in this country observations are currently only sporadic. In the European Union the species is today only occurring in Greece. These birds belong to the population of the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, which has undergone a strong decline during the twentieth century, but seems currently to be quite stable. It is estimated at 20000 individuals
Feeding
Omnivorous; plant material probably predominates, but proportions vary with locality and season. On land, where feeds more often than Shelduck, plucks vegetation and picks up seeds and invertebrates. Also grubs in wet soil, and dabbles and up-ends in shallow water.
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 170,000-220,000 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
Eggs are laid from mid-March to early may. The nests are holes in sand or clay banks, either natural or excavated by another animal; in abandoned buildings and farm sheds. In hollow trees up to 10 m above ground, crevices in rocks and cliffs, rarely on cliff ledge in the open. Nest is a shallow depression lined with down, occasionally a little grass is incorporated. Clutch size is 8-9 eggs, ranging from 6-12. This species incubates only one brood. Incubation period anges from 28-29 days and the young fldge after about 55 days.
Migration
Mainly dispersive or nomadic, but some migratory, especially from northern parts of breeding range. North African population, which formerly (to c. 1970s) wintered regularly in Spain, no longer migrates northward to Europe. Southward dispersal by some breeders of Balkans and Black Sea countries.
Bull Island, Dublin 20th & 21st-May-2018
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Tadorna ferruginea | [UK] Ruddy Shelduck | [FR] Tadorne casarca | [DE] Rostgans | [ES] Tarro Canelo | [IT] Casarca ferruginea | [NL] Casarca
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 110 cm
spanwidth max.: 135 cm
size min.: 58 cm
size max.: 70 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 28 days
incubation max.: 29 days
fledging min.: 51 days
fledging max.: 58 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 7
eggs max.: 10
Physical characteristics
Its main body colour is a variable orange-brown with a black rump and tail. Adult males have a cream head and neck, and a narrow black collar during the breeding season. Females have a paler, almost white patch on the face and do not have a black collar. Nests in rock recess, rock faces, ruins, buildings and on trees.
Habitat
Unlike Shelduck, has not extended range to maritime coastal habitats but occupies wider spectrum of inland biotopes, from coasts of inland seas and lakes, salt lagoons and marshes, rivers, streams, and pools, up to hills, high plateaux, and mountainous regions, reaching nearly 5000 m in Pamirs and Tibet. Dependence on water for resting and feeding less than for most Anatinae, although needs access to some, shallow and preferably saline. Often on unvegetated banks and in steppe or semi-desert, with only small pools or streams accessible. Breeding recorded several kilometres from water.
Other details
Tadorna ferruginea is a widespread breeder across much of south-eastern Europe, which accounts for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is relatively small (30%) over three generations.
A bird with a very fragmented distribution from north-western Africa and south-eastern Europe to Central Asia, as far East as Lake Baykal and Mongolia. A small population also exists in Ethiopia. The birds of north-western Africa formerly also used to visit southern Spain in winter, but in this country observations are currently only sporadic. In the European Union the species is today only occurring in Greece. These birds belong to the population of the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, which has undergone a strong decline during the twentieth century, but seems currently to be quite stable. It is estimated at 20000 individuals
Feeding
Omnivorous; plant material probably predominates, but proportions vary with locality and season. On land, where feeds more often than Shelduck, plucks vegetation and picks up seeds and invertebrates. Also grubs in wet soil, and dabbles and up-ends in shallow water.
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 170,000-220,000 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
Eggs are laid from mid-March to early may. The nests are holes in sand or clay banks, either natural or excavated by another animal; in abandoned buildings and farm sheds. In hollow trees up to 10 m above ground, crevices in rocks and cliffs, rarely on cliff ledge in the open. Nest is a shallow depression lined with down, occasionally a little grass is incorporated. Clutch size is 8-9 eggs, ranging from 6-12. This species incubates only one brood. Incubation period anges from 28-29 days and the young fldge after about 55 days.
Migration
Mainly dispersive or nomadic, but some migratory, especially from northern parts of breeding range. North African population, which formerly (to c. 1970s) wintered regularly in Spain, no longer migrates northward to Europe. Southward dispersal by some breeders of Balkans and Black Sea countries.
Took this photo of the female Mallard Duck at Gillies Lake located in the Gillies Lake Conservation Area in Timmins Ontario Canada.
Mallard Duck - Anas platyrhynchos Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
Orden: Anseriformes.
Familia: Anatidae.
Especie: Anas fulvigula.
Captura: Black Point Wildlife Drive. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida, USA.
Grange Castle Business Park
Clondalkin Co.Dublin
17-04-2022
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Anseriformes
Family:Anatidae
Genus:Aythya
Species:A.collaris
spanwidth min.: 62 cm
spanwidth max.: 63 cm
size min.: 37 cm
size max.: 46 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 25 days
incubation max.: 29 days
fledging min.: 49 days
fledging max.: 56 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 6
eggs max.: 14
Aythya collaris
Lacha mhuinceach
Status: A rare winter visitor to wetlands from October to March, almost always associating with flocks of Tufted Duck.
Conservation Concern: Green-listed in Ireland. The European population is regarded as Secure.
Identification: Very similar to Tufted Duck and care is needed to distinguish the two species. Slightly smaller than Tufted Duck and lacks that species distinctive crest. Adult males can be separated from Tufted Duck by having much greyer flanks with a white vertical stripe, as well as different pattern on the bill (broad white stripe near the tip). Adult females appear quite different to female Tufted Duck, being much paler overall and having an obvious white eyering. Also shows a hint of the obvious vertical white stripe found on the flanks of the male. Juvenile Ring-necked Ducks are similar to females, though the head pattern is not as contrasting and lacks the broad white stripe on the bill.
Similar Species: Tufted Duck
Call: Generally silent when seen in Ireland.
Diet: Mainly feeds by diving for freshwater invertebrates (beetles, shrimp). Ring-necked Ducks will also feed on plants, such as pondweeds.
Breeding: Ring-necked Ducks breed in central and northern North America.
Wintering: The species winters south of the breeding grounds in the United States to Central America. Occasionally wanders to Ireland and then can be seen with Tufted Duck on larger lakes. In September/October 2008, a flock of 15 was recorded on Inishmore on the Aran Islands.
Where to See: Ring-necked Ducks could be seen in any large flock of Tufted Ducks in Ireland.
Bull Island, Dublin 20th & 21st-May-2018
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Tadorna ferruginea | [UK] Ruddy Shelduck | [FR] Tadorne casarca | [DE] Rostgans | [ES] Tarro Canelo | [IT] Casarca ferruginea | [NL] Casarca
Measurements
spanwidth min.: 110 cm
spanwidth max.: 135 cm
size min.: 58 cm
size max.: 70 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 28 days
incubation max.: 29 days
fledging min.: 51 days
fledging max.: 58 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 7
eggs max.: 10
Physical characteristics
Its main body colour is a variable orange-brown with a black rump and tail. Adult males have a cream head and neck, and a narrow black collar during the breeding season. Females have a paler, almost white patch on the face and do not have a black collar. Nests in rock recess, rock faces, ruins, buildings and on trees.
Habitat
Unlike Shelduck, has not extended range to maritime coastal habitats but occupies wider spectrum of inland biotopes, from coasts of inland seas and lakes, salt lagoons and marshes, rivers, streams, and pools, up to hills, high plateaux, and mountainous regions, reaching nearly 5000 m in Pamirs and Tibet. Dependence on water for resting and feeding less than for most Anatinae, although needs access to some, shallow and preferably saline. Often on unvegetated banks and in steppe or semi-desert, with only small pools or streams accessible. Breeding recorded several kilometres from water.
Other details
Tadorna ferruginea is a widespread breeder across much of south-eastern Europe, which accounts for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is relatively small (30%) over three generations.
A bird with a very fragmented distribution from north-western Africa and south-eastern Europe to Central Asia, as far East as Lake Baykal and Mongolia. A small population also exists in Ethiopia. The birds of north-western Africa formerly also used to visit southern Spain in winter, but in this country observations are currently only sporadic. In the European Union the species is today only occurring in Greece. These birds belong to the population of the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, which has undergone a strong decline during the twentieth century, but seems currently to be quite stable. It is estimated at 20000 individuals
Feeding
Omnivorous; plant material probably predominates, but proportions vary with locality and season. On land, where feeds more often than Shelduck, plucks vegetation and picks up seeds and invertebrates. Also grubs in wet soil, and dabbles and up-ends in shallow water.
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 170,000-220,000 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
Eggs are laid from mid-March to early may. The nests are holes in sand or clay banks, either natural or excavated by another animal; in abandoned buildings and farm sheds. In hollow trees up to 10 m above ground, crevices in rocks and cliffs, rarely on cliff ledge in the open. Nest is a shallow depression lined with down, occasionally a little grass is incorporated. Clutch size is 8-9 eggs, ranging from 6-12. This species incubates only one brood. Incubation period anges from 28-29 days and the young fldge after about 55 days.
Migration
Mainly dispersive or nomadic, but some migratory, especially from northern parts of breeding range. North African population, which formerly (to c. 1970s) wintered regularly in Spain, no longer migrates northward to Europe. Southward dispersal by some breeders of Balkans and Black Sea countries.
Wood Duck
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Aix
Species: sponsa
Range & Habitat
Almost totally North America. They inhabit small ponds and rivers in densely wooded country. Often found near shady areas and damp banks. They breed on both sides of Rockies and prairies reaching into Central Canada. They migrate south for the winter, some cross over to winter in Cuba.
Reproduction & Growth
The Wood Duck breeds well in captivity. In winter, when pairs form, the male's colors are at their best. The male wood duck uses his crest when courting a potential mate. He also shows off with elaborate swimming moves and mock preening. The male will stand guard while his mate lays her eggs. One egg is laid each morning for 9-14 days. The female performs incubation alone, until the eggs hatch together.
Diet
In the Wild: Feed on the water for duck weed and pond plants
In the Zoo: Waterfowl diet, kale, apples and sometimes mealworms
General Information
The Wood Duck is usually seen in pairs or small groups, but do gather in roosts at waters in the fall and may then number in the hundreds or thousands. They nest and roost in trees, which they are able to fly through and among with agility. At night they gather on open water where they are safe from predators. The male is attractive and colorful. They have webbed feet and a "filter feeder" bill. Early American settlers exploited the wood duck. At one time they were in imminent danger of extinction but have since come back.
[order] Anseriformes | [family] Anatidae | [latin] Anas clypeata | [UK] Northern Shoveler | [FR] Canard souchet | [DE] Löffelente | [ES] Pato Cuchara | [IT] Mestolone comune | [NL] Slobeend | [IRL] Spadalach
spanwidth min.: 73 cm
spanwidth max.: 82 cm
size min.: 44 cm
size max.: 52 cm
Breeding
incubation min.: 22 days
incubation max.: 23 days
fledging min.: 40 days
fledging max.: 45 days
broods 1
eggs min.: 7
eggs max.: 12
Status: Resident & winter migrant. Most occur between October and March. Wintering birds originate from breeding populations which range across France, northern Europe, the Baltic and western Russia. Ireland and northern Britain also support the small Icelandic breeding population during the winter.
Conservation Concern: Red-listed (National, BoCCI), SPEC 3 declining, moderate recent decline (Europe)
Identification: Medium to large sized with a long and broad bill. Males with green head, white breast, chestnut belly and flanks, blue upper forewing. Females similar to Mallard but distinguished by the bill and darker brown belly.
Similar Species: Males could be confused with Shelduck. Females resemble other female dabbling ducks.
Call: Disyllabic nasal knocking call of male when flushed. Female similar though more wheezy 'kerr-ash'.
Diet: Feed predominantly on zooplankton which are found mostly on ephemeral wetlands, particularly turloughs and callows. They also feed on small molluscs, insects and larvae, seeds and plant material and are frequently seen dabbling around the edges of waterpools.
Breeding: Nests on the ground among waterside vegetation, often many nests in close proximity. Breeding in Ireland is centred around Lough Neagh and the mid- Shannon basin.
Wintering: Shoveler prefer shallow eutrophic waters rich in plankton, and occur on a variety of habitats while wintering in Ireland, including coastal estuaries, lagoons and inland lakes and callows.
Where to See: Ballyallia Lake in County Clare, Little Brosna Callows in County Offaly, Southern Roscommon Lakes in County Roscommon and Lough Rea in County Galway are among the top wintering sites (200-400 birds).
Physical characteristics
The very large, spatulate bill is the most distinguishing feature of the aptly named Northern Shoveler. The male in breeding plumage has bright wings, a bright iridescent-green head with a yellow eye, bold white breast, and chestnut sides. Females, juveniles, and males in eclipse plumage (from May through August) are mottled brown with orange legs and a green-black iridescent speculum with a blue patch on the forewing.
Northern Shovelers rarely tip up, but filter mud through their bills, swimming with their heads outstretched, bills skimming the water's surface, sifting out food. In flight they stay in tight bunches, weaving to and fro like shorebirds. Shovelers are very territorial, and pair bonds remain intact through incubation, unlike most other species of ducks.
Habitat
Northern Shovelers inhabit shallow, marshy ponds and wetlands at low elevations. Breeding habitat is in open country (prairie or tundra), or lowland woodlands and clearings, always near shallow water. During winter and migration they will use virtually any wetland as long as it has muddy edges. Shovelers will forage in sewage ponds and stagnant or polluted waters avoided by other species of ducks.
Other details
Anas clypeata is widespread breeder across much of Europe, which accounts for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is large (>170,000 pairs), and was stable between 1970-1990. Although no trend data were available for the stronghold in Russia during 1990-2000, several countries- notably the Netherlands-suffered marked declines, and the species probably underwent a moderate decline (>10%) overall.
This duck inhabits North America and northern Eurasia. 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 40000 individuals and apparently stable, is wintering in the Atlantic regions from Denmark to the British Isles and Aquitaine. The second population is estimated at 450000 individuals, but its current trends are unknown. It winters in the Black Sea region, the Mediterranean and West Africa.
Feeding
The bill of the Shoveler is ideally suited for straining small swimming invertebrates from the water and mud. Seeds and aquatic plants are also important food items, especially during winter
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 5,000,000-6,400,000 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
Pair formation begins in the winter and continues during spring migration. Males remain with the females through the incubation period. The female chooses the site (generally in short grass). She builds the nest, a shallow depression made of grass and weeds, lined with down, and incubates the 9 to 12 eggs for 23 to 28 days by herself. A few hours after they hatch, the female leads the young to the water where they can swim and forage immediately. The young typically stay close to the cover of emergent vegetation, and the female tends them until they fledge at 52 to 66 days of age.
Migration
Mostly migratory, breeders of Iceland all migrate, probably to Ireland or Britain. Most British breeders move southwards to south France, south Spain, north and central Italy, a few to North Africa. Bulk have left Britain by end October, before main arrivals of Continental birds. Breeders from south Fenno-Scandia and Russia east to and south migrate west and south-west to western seaboard, chiefly Netherlands, Britain, and Ireland, some going further to west and south France and north Spain. Populations of east Russia, Trans-Urals, and west Siberia migrate south through Volga region, then to south Caspian, Azov and Black Seas, and to Mediterranean, particularly Turkey, Greece, Italy, and North Africa, where overlap with north European breeders. Those wintering from Egypt south to East Africa presumably also from Russia. Main autumn migration rather earlier than other Palearctic ducks, except Garganey. Principal passage across Europe in September-October, with major passage through Britain in November. Departs tropical Africa in February, peak movement through Europe mid-March to mid-April, and virtually all breeders returned by early May.