White-winged Duck Bird Details
Asarcornis scutulata
White-winged Duck,White-winged Wood Duck;
Safed-pankh Hans
Lesson, 1828
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Asarcornis
India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and some parts of Nagaland and Manipur), Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
Appearance :
This large duck has a predominantly dark brown to black body with striking white patches on its wings, visible in flight. The head is lighter, often spotted with white. Its body is stout, with strong legs adapted for swimming and walking in swampy areas.
Behaviour :
White-winged Ducks are often solitary or found in small groups. They are more elusive and secretive compared to other ducks, especially during the day, as they prefer to be active at dawn and dusk.
Habitat :
Found in tropical lowland forests, swamps, and freshwater marshes, often near dense vegetation. They prefer secluded areas with undisturbed water bodies.
Diet :
Omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, small fish, invertebrates, and insects. They forage in shallow waters or along forested wetlands.
Conservation Status :
Endangered
Distribution :
Historically found across Southeast Asia, but now restricted to parts of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Population Size :
Estimated between 250 to 1,000 mature individuals globally.
Life Span :
In the wild, it is estimated to live around 10–15 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Large, heavy-bodied duck with predominantly dark plumage and distinctive white patches on the wings.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 50–60 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is large, with dark brown or black feathers often mottled with white, especially on the crown.
- Eyes: Dark brown, large, and well-adapted for low-light conditions as the species is more active during dawn and dusk.
- Bill: The bill is long, robust, and slightly curved, usually dark grey or black in color.
- Bill Length: Around 55–60 mm.
Length :
About 66–81 cm from head to tail.
Neck :
Medium length, sturdy, with a lighter coloration compared to the body.
Size :
Large duck species, with a significant body mass compared to most other duck species.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Short and rounded.
- Tail Length: Approximately 100–120 mm.
- Feathers: Dark brown to black with white wing patches; feathers are dense and well-suited for their swampy habitat.
Weight :
Typically between 2.5 to 3.3 kg.
Wing :
Broad and strong, adapted for short-distance flights.
Wing Span :
Ranges between 120 to 153 cm.
Facial Feature :
Mottled brown and white markings on the head, with a large, dark bill and distinctive dark eyes.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Built in tree cavities, often near water bodies, or occasionally in dense vegetation.
- Nest Made Up of: Nests are lined with leaves, grass, feathers, and other plant material.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season generally occurs between June and August, coinciding with the monsoon season in most areas.
Nesting Season :
Nests are built in tree cavities or dense vegetation, primarily during the rainy season.
Egg Color :
Creamy white.
Egg Length :
Around 58–70 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 42–48 mm.
- Egg Weight: Roughly 65–85 grams per egg.
Clutch Size :
Usually 6 to 12 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Around 30 to 34 days.
Nestling Period :
Ducklings leave the nest soon after hatching, typically within 24 hours, and are precocial (able to move and feed shortly after birth).
Vocalization :
Generally quiet, but may produce low, soft quacks or whistles, especially during the breeding season.
Sex Demorphism :
There is little visible difference between males and females, though males tend to be slightly larger.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Largely sedentary, though local movements may occur in response to seasonal water levels.
- Migration Period: Not migratory; local movements are usually related to habitat changes rather than long-distance migration.
- Migration Route: As the species is largely non-migratory, there is no defined migration route.
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