Mottled Ducks are medium-sized, non-migratory birds from the Anatidae family. Males and females both have light brown heads with a horizontal dark line across the eyes.
Their bodies are dark brown with a scalloped pattern from chest to bottom. They both have a striking blue-purple patch on their wings. The difference is that males have a bright yellow bill while females are a dull olive color.
- Anas fulvigula
- Length: 20 – 22 in (51 -56 cm)
- Weight: 36.8 oz (1043 g)
- Wingspan: 30 in (76 cm)
Range
Mottled Ducks are year-round residents of the Gulf coast, but they may move inland depending on food availability.
Habitat And Diet
You can find Mottled Ducks in shallow coastal marshes, flooded agricultural lands, irrigation ditches, and wet prairies.
Mottled Ducks dabble in shallow water for food. They mostly eat snails, fish, crabs and shrimp, and aquatic vegetation. They also eat grains, seeds, grass, and berries.
Mottled Duck Calls:
Nests
Nests of Mottled Ducks are commonly found hidden in the ground, among lush vegetation, and definitely near the water. The female makes the nests out of grasses and lines them with feathers to prepare for as many as twelve eggs. After about twenty-seven days, the eggs hatch.
Mottled Duck ducklings are born able to take care of themselves, and the females only have to lead them to their food source. It may take up to seventy days before they’re able to fly.
Fun Fact:
Interbreeding with wild Mallards may cause the disappearance of pure-bred Mottled Ducks.
