Falcated Duck

The Falcated Duck, also known as the Falcated Teal, is a dabbling duck normally found in eastern Asia.  However, vagrants have been found in North America on rare occasions, with individual birds spotted in the Aleutian Islands and in scattered locations near the west coast of the United States.  The species is listed as "near-threatened" by the IUCN. Hunting of the species on its wintering ground in China is cited as a primary reason for declines in the species (IUCN). 

Habitat: During the summer breeding season, found in wetlands and wetland margins around water bodies such as lowland lakes and ponds.  They use similar habitat in winter, but can also occasionally be found in saltwater estuaries and lagoons.

Diet: Primarily feeds on aquatic vegetation, but will also feed on aquatic insects and their larvae, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Behavior: Dabbling duck, feeding by dabbling just below the water's surface, or by upending with the head under water.

Song: Male Falcated Ducks have a crisp low-pitched whistling note, while females have a rough quack.

Migration: Strongly migratory, with birds breeding in northern China, Japan, and southeastern Russia.  Falcated Ducks winter in portions of southeastern Asia.

Interactive eBird Map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Falcated Duck sightings

Similar Species: Distinctive plumage if seen well, most similar to Green-winged Teal.

Conservation Status: The Falcated Duck is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.  They have a large native range in Asia, but have declined rapidly in parts of their range, especially China.

Further Information: 1) BirdWeb.org - Falcated Duck

2) ARKive - Falcated Duck

3) Audubon Guide - Falcated Duck

Photo Information: Photo taken by Tony Hisgett - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License