Eastern Spot-billed Duck Bird Details
Anas zonorhyncha
Eastern Spot-billed Duck,Chinese Spot-billed Duck, Korean Spot-billed Duck, Far Eastern Spot-billed Duck;
Dhabbedar Battakh
Temminck in 1842.
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Anas
China, Korea (North and South), Japan, Taiwan, Mongolia, and parts of southeastern Russia, India(Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.).
Appearance :
Similar in appearance to the Indian Spot-billed Duck but slightly darker. The body is mainly brown with speckled markings, and it has a distinctive yellow-tipped black bill. The Eastern Spot-billed Duck lacks the prominent black spots at the base of the bill seen in the Indian Spot-billed Duck. Its wings feature a blue-green speculum bordered by white.
Behaviour :
Eastern Spot-billed Ducks are generally social birds, found in pairs or small groups during the breeding season, but they form larger flocks during the non-breeding season. They are dabbling ducks, typically feeding on the water surface or on land.
Habitat :
They are found in a variety of wetland habitats, including lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, and paddy fields. These ducks prefer freshwater bodies but are also seen in coastal wetlands.
Diet :
They are omnivorous and feed on aquatic plants, seeds, small invertebrates (insects, crustaceans), and grains. They often forage in shallow water by dabbling and sometimes graze on land.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Eastern Spot-billed Duck is found across eastern Asia. Its range covers parts of: East China Korea Japan Taiwan Southeast Russia
Population Size :
Population estimates suggest a total of around 100,000 to 1,000,000 individuals.
Life Span :
The lifespan of the Eastern Spot-billed Duck in the wild is typically 10 to 15 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Eastern Spot-billed Duck is a medium-sized, dabbling duck. Its body is mostly brown with fine streaks and dark markings. It has a sturdy build, designed for swimming and foraging in water and on land.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (lower leg bone) measures about 40–45 mm, similar to other dabbling ducks, enabling good mobility in wetland environments.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is rounded with a predominantly brown plumage. There is a pale or buff-colored line extending from the bill to behind the eye.
- Bill: The bill is black with a yellow tip.
- Bill Length: Its length is around 50–60 mm.
Length :
The overall length of the Eastern Spot-billed Duck ranges from 55 to 63 cm.
Neck :
The neck is moderately short and covered in brownish feathers with speckled markings that blend into the chest.
Size :
This duck is medium-sized, typically about 55 to 63 cm long.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is relatively short, and like most dabbling ducks, it is slightly pointed.
- Tail Length: The tail length is around 10–12 cm, similar to other spot-billed ducks.
- Feathers: The body feathers are primarily brown, with a mix of dark spots and streaks. The wings feature a blue-green speculum (colored patch) bordered with white, which is more vivid during flight.
Weight :
The weight of the Eastern Spot-billed Duck ranges from 0.8 to 1.5 kg.
Wing :
The wings are broad and strong, suited for powerful flight. They have a rounded shape, typical of ducks that often take off directly from the water.
Wing Span :
The wingspan is about 83–95 cm, allowing it to be an efficient flyer.
Facial Feature :
The black bill with a yellow tip is a prominent feature of the Eastern Spot-billed Duck. The rest of the face is brown, with a pale line extending from the base of the bill to behind the eye. Unlike its Indian counterpart, it lacks black spots at the base of the bill.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is built on the ground, often in well-concealed locations near water bodies such as lakes, rivers, marshes, and rice paddies. It is usually hidden in dense vegetation to protect it from predators.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is primarily made up of grass, reeds, leaves, and other plant materials. The female lines the nest with down feathers to provide warmth for the eggs.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season typically occurs between April and June.
Nesting Season :
Nesting occurs during the spring and early summer months (April to June).
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically creamy white to pale buff.
Egg Length :
The length of the egg is approximately 55–60 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the egg is around 40–45 mm.
- Egg Weight: The eggs typically weigh about 50–60 grams.
Clutch Size :
The Eastern Spot-billed Duck usually lays a clutch of 6 to 10 eggs.
No. of Broods :
This species generally raises 1 brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The female incubates the eggs for about 24 to 26 days.
Nestling Period :
The ducklings are precocial, meaning they are born with their eyes open and are able to leave the nest shortly after hatching.
Vocalization :
Females produce a loud, harsh quack. Males produce softer, whistling or quieter sounds compared to females.
Sex Demorphism :
Males may be slightly larger and have brighter speculum markings (greenish-blue patch on wings)
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: The Eastern Spot-billed Duck is mostly sedentary but is known to make short-distance migrations or regional movements, especially during winter or in response to drying wetlands. Some populations may move locally to seek better resources or water availability.
- Migration Period: Migration typically occurs post-breeding and during the autumn and winter months, from October to March, depending on the region.
- Migration Route: The migration route is usually localized within East Asia, with birds moving from breeding areas in China, Korea, and Japan to wintering grounds in southern China, Taiwan, and other coastal wetlands. In colder regions, they may migrate to avoid harsh winter conditions.