Pink-headed Duck Bird Details
Rhodonessa caryophyllacea
Pink-headed Duck,Rose-headed Duck, Pink-headed Goose;
Gulabi sir wala batakh
John Latham, 1790
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Rhodonessa
Appearance :
The Pink-headed Duck has a distinctive pink head and neck, which contrasts with its dark brown body. It features a pale blue bill and dark eyes. The wings are dark with some white in the secondaries, and it has a stout body.
Behaviour :
This species is known to be social and often found in pairs or small groups. They can be shy and elusive, primarily foraging in the water. Males are often seen displaying their vibrant plumage during the breeding season.
Habitat :
The Pink-headed Duck typically inhabits freshwater wetlands, marshes, and shallow ponds with dense vegetation. They prefer areas with abundant aquatic plants for foraging.
Diet :
Their diet mainly consists of aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates. They feed by dabbling on the water's surface and occasionally diving for food.
Conservation Status :
Critically Endangered
Distribution :
Historically, the Pink-headed Duck was found in parts of India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, primarily in wetland habitats. It is now believed to be possibly extinct in the wild.
Population Size :
It is believed to be extremely low, with no confirmed sightings since 1950.
Life Span :
can live up to 10-20 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Pink-headed Duck has a robust body with a rounded shape, characterized by its striking coloration.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 5 to 6 cm (2 to 2.4 inches).
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is distinctive, with a bright pink coloration, especially prominent during the breeding season.
- Eyes: The eyes are dark and set against the contrasting color of the head, providing good visibility.
- Bill: The bill is broad and flat, adapted for dabbling in water and foraging for food.
- Bill Length: Approximately 5.5 to 6.5 cm (2.2 to 2.6 inches).
Length :
The total length of the Pink-headed Duck ranges from 56 to 64 cm (22 to 25 inches).
Neck :
The neck is relatively short compared to the body and appears stout.
Size :
The Pink-headed Duck is medium-sized among duck species.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and squared off.
- Tail Length: Approximately 10 to 12 cm (3.9 to 4.7 inches).
- Feathers: The plumage consists of soft feathers with a glossy finish, with a mix of brown and white on the body and distinctive pink on the head and neck.
Weight :
The weight of the Pink-headed Duck typically ranges from 1.5 to 2 kg (3.3 to 4.4 lbs).
Wing :
The wings are broad and strong, suitable for short flights and maneuverability in wetland habitats.
Wing Span :
The wingspan is about 90 to 100 cm (35 to 39 inches).
Facial Feature :
The Pink-headed Duck's most distinctive facial feature is its bright pink head, which becomes more vibrant during the breeding season. The rest of its face is darker, providing contrast.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Pink-headed Duck builds its nest in dense vegetation, often located near water sources.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is typically constructed from reeds, grasses, and other plant materials, providing camouflage and protection.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period for the Pink-headed Duck typically occurs during the rainy season, which varies by region but generally falls between June and September.
Nesting Season :
Nesting generally happens in dense aquatic vegetation, where they build nests close to water
Egg Color :
The eggs are usually pale buff or cream in color, sometimes with speckling.
Egg Length :
The eggs measure approximately 5.5 to 7 cm (2.2 to 2.8 inches) in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The average width of the eggs is about 3.5 to 4.5 cm (1.4 to 1.8 inches).
- Egg Weight: The weight of each egg is typically around 50 to 60 grams (1.76 to 2.11 ounces).
Clutch Size :
The average clutch size is about 8 to 12 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Typically, the Pink-headed Duck may have one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 25 to 30 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestling period, is approximately 50 to 60 days before they are fully independent.
Vocalization :
Their vocalizations are typically soft, consisting of quacking sounds and other low calls. Males may have a deeper sound compared to females.
Sex Demorphism :
There is some degree of sexual dimorphism, with males exhibiting brighter coloration, especially on the head, while females tend to have more muted tones.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: The Pink-headed Duck is believed to be a partial migratory species, with some populations moving to different areas depending on seasonal changes in water availability.
- Migration Period: Migration is generally associated with the monsoon season and can vary by region, typically occurring between June and September.
- Migration Route: The specific migration routes are not well-documented, but they are thought to move between breeding grounds in northern India and wintering areas in southern India or neighboring countries, depending on environmental conditions.
Explore More Birds Of Same Genus
No birds of same genus found