Indian Spot-billed Duck Bird Details
Anas poecilorhyncha
Indian Spot-billed Duck,Spot-billed Duck, Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Pochard;
Chakwa
Anas poecilorhyncha Forster, 1781
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Anas
India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Appearance :
Medium-sized duck with a mottled brown body, pale face, and distinctive black-tipped bill with yellow spots on the upper mandible. There is a green speculum on the wings, which is visible during flight.
Behaviour :
Generally sociable, often found in pairs or small flocks. During the non-breeding season, they gather in larger groups. They are calm and typically avoid conflicts with other species.
Habitat :
Found in freshwater wetlands such as lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, and swamps. Prefers areas with aquatic vegetation and slow-moving waters.
Diet :
Omnivorous; feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, grains, invertebrates, and occasionally small fish. Forages in shallow water by dabbling and upending.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Widespread in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Population Size :
Global populations are estimated to be in the millions.
Life Span :
Average lifespan is around 10-15 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Indian Spot-billed Duck is a medium-sized duck with a sturdy body and streamlined form. Its plumage is primarily grayish-brown with darker markings.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (lower leg bone) of the Indian Spot-billed Duck is around 40-45 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is rounded and features a distinctive black crown.
- Bill: The bill is large, broad, and distinctly marked with a yellow tip and black patches at the base, giving it its name “spot-billed.”
- Bill length: Approximately 50-60 mm.
Length :
The Indian Spot-billed Duck measures between 55–63 cm in total length.
Neck :
The neck is relatively short, covered with brownish feathers that fade into the lighter color of the chest.
Size :
The size of this species places it in the medium duck range.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is relatively short compared to the body length, often slightly pointed.
- Tail Length: Tail length typically ranges between 10–12 cm.
- Feathers: The body feathers are predominantly grayish-brown with fine streaks and spots. The wings have a distinctive greenish-blue speculum (colored patch) bordered with white.
Weight :
Weight ranges from 0.8 to 1.5 kg.
Wing :
The wings are moderately broad, suitable for strong flight, and have a rounded shape.
Wing Span :
Wingspan is approximately 83–95 cm.
Facial Feature :
he most distinguishing facial feature of the Indian Spot-billed Duck is the black bill with a prominent yellow tip and black spots at the base.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Indian Spot-billed Duck builds its nest on the ground, usually hidden among thick vegetation near water bodies such as wetlands or marshes.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is primarily constructed from grass, reeds, and leaves, often lined with down feathers from the female to provide warmth and insulation for the eggs.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period typically spans from July to September.
Nesting Season :
Nesting occurs during the monsoon season, usually July to September.
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically creamy white to pale buff in color.
Egg Length :
The average length of an egg is around 57–61 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width is approximately 41–45 mm.
- Egg Weight: The average weight of the egg is about 55–65 grams.
Clutch Size :
The clutch size varies from 6 to 12 eggs, with 8-10 being the most common.
No. of Broods :
The Indian Spot-billed Duck usually produces 1 brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts for around 24 to 26 days.
Nestling Period :
After hatching, the ducklings are precocial (born with their eyes open and able to leave the nest shortly after birth). They are able to swim and feed themselves within hours of hatching.
Vocalization :
Males produce a lower-pitched whistle. Females are more vocal, often making a loud quacking sound that is harsher than the male’s calls.
Sex Demorphism :
Males tend to be slightly larger and may have more vivid coloration on the wing speculum (the greenish-blue patch).
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Indian Spot-billed Ducks are considered partial migrants. While many populations are resident, some move locally or regionally in response to water availability, especially during the dry season or post-breeding dispersal.
- Migration Period: Migration is generally triggered during the dry season (late autumn and winter), when some populations move towards water-rich areas.
- Migration Route: Migration routes are localized and usually involve short-distance movements between wetlands within the Indian subcontinent, from drying inland habitats to more permanent wetlands or coastal areas.