Marbled Duck Bird Details
Marmaronetta angustirostris
Marbled Duck,White-eyed Duck, Spanish Duck, Marbled teal;
Marmar Battak
Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck (1819)
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Marmaronetta
Spain, Turkey, Italy, Iran, Central Asia, North Africa, India(Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana).
Appearance :
The Marbled Duck has a distinct appearance with a unique marbled pattern of brown and buff on its body. It has a relatively small, slender build with a long neck. The male is usually more vibrant than the female, displaying a white spot on the face and a pale blue-grey bill.
Behaviour :
Marbled Ducks are social birds and often seen in small groups. They are relatively shy and prefer to stay close to cover. They can be seen dabbling in the water, foraging for food, and often engage in courtship displays during the breeding season.
Habitat :
Marbled Ducks inhabit freshwater wetlands, marshes, and lagoons. They prefer shallow water bodies with abundant vegetation.
Diet :
Their diet mainly consists of aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. They forage by dabbling in the water, grazing on the vegetation.
Conservation Status :
Near Threatened
Distribution :
The Marbled Duck is found in parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is primarily migratory, moving between breeding and wintering grounds.
Population Size :
It's believed there are between 20,000 to 30,000 individuals globally.
Life Span :
The average lifespan of Marbled Ducks in the wild is around 5 to 10 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Marbled Duck is a medium-sized dabbling duck with a rounded body and a distinctive mottled appearance, which helps it blend into its wetland habitat.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 4.4 to 5.2 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is broad with a rounded crown, showing a mix of brown and grayish feathers.
- Eyes: The eyes are relatively large and dark, set above a slightly rounded face.
- Bill: The bill is broad and flattened, typical of dabbling ducks, with a dark coloration.
- Bill Length: Around 5.5 to 6.5 cm.
Length :
The total body length ranges from 52 to 62 cm.
Neck :
The neck is short and somewhat thick, proportionate to its body size.
Size :
The Marbled Duck is considered medium-sized compared to other duck species.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is relatively short and pointed, usually tucked close to the body.
- Tail Length: About 11 to 13 cm.
- Feathers: The plumage is a combination of brown, black, and gray, with a marbled appearance that provides effective camouflage.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 800 to 1,200 grams.
Wing :
The wings are broad and pointed, adapted for short bursts of flight.
Wing Span :
Approximately 75 to 85 cm.
Facial Feature :
Marbled Ducks have broad heads with a rounded profile and a distinctive facial pattern characterized by a darker mask around the eyes.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Marbled Duck typically builds its nest on the ground, often in dense vegetation or reeds close to water bodies.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is constructed using a variety of materials, including grasses, reeds, and down feathers, providing insulation and concealment for the eggs.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season generally occurs from late winter to early spring.
Nesting Season :
Nesting typically takes place from March to June.
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale blue or greenish in color, which helps them blend into their surroundings.
Egg Length :
The eggs are approximately 4.5 to 6 cm long.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs is around 3.5 to 4.5 cm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs between 40 to 60 grams.
Clutch Size :
Clutch sizes can range from 5 to 12 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Marbled Ducks typically raise one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 25 to 28 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestling period is about 50 to 60 days.
Vocalization :
Their vocalizations include a series of soft quacks, whistles, and coos, particularly during the breeding season, used for communication between mates and signaling alarm.
Sex Demorphism :
Males tend to have slightly brighter plumage compared to females, especially during the breeding season.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Marbled Ducks are migratory birds, though some populations may be resident in specific areas.
- Migration Period: They typically migrate in the fall (September to October) and return in the spring (March to April).
- Migration Route: The migration routes vary depending on the population but generally include travel from breeding grounds in southern Europe and parts of Asia to wintering grounds in North Africa and the Middle East.
Explore More Birds Of Same Genus
No birds of same genus found