Knob-billed Duck Bird Details
Sarkidiornis melanotos
Knob-billed Duck,Comb Duck;
Nakata
Thomas Pennant, 1769
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Sarkidiornis
India (Assam, West Bengal), Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, parts of Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.
Appearance :
The male Knob-billed Duck has a prominent black knob on its bill, which is absent in females and juveniles. Both sexes have a black and white body, with iridescent patches of green and purple on the wings.
Behaviour :
These ducks are known to be social and often found in small groups. They are strong flyers and often migrate between water bodies.
Habitat :
Found in freshwater lakes, marshes, swamps, and slow-moving rivers with abundant vegetation.
Diet :
They are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, small fish, and invertebrates.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.
Population Size :
The global population is estimated to be stable, though localized data may vary.
Life Span :
Typically around 10-15 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The body is robust and slightly elongated with a combination of black and white plumage. Males are usually larger than females.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 4.5 to 6 cm (varies slightly between males and females).
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is black with a glossy sheen in males. Females have a less pronounced sheen and lack the large knob seen in males.
- Bill: The bill is black, wide, and flattened with a characteristic knob on the male’s bill (absent in females).
- Bill Length: 4.5 to 6 cm (varies with gender, males tend to have larger bills due to the knob).
Length :
Typically, 56 to 76 cm long. Males are usually on the larger side of this range.
Neck :
The neck is relatively short and thick, covered in white feathers with some black markings.
Size :
Medium to large-sized duck, with males being slightly bigger than females.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and rounded.
- Tail Length: About 10 to 12 cm long.
- Feathers: The body feathers are mostly white on the underside, with black markings on the upper parts, including the head, back, and wings. The wings have iridescent green or purple patches.
Weight :
Males weigh between 1.2 to 2.9 kg, and females are slightly lighter, typically weighing between 1 to 1.8 kg.
Wing :
Broad wings, which are well-suited for long-distance flights. The wings have rounded edges and feature iridescent patches on the secondary feathers.
Wing Span :
Approximately 116 to 153 cm.
Facial Feature :
Males have a prominent black knob on the upper bill, which is absent in females and juveniles. Both sexes have black and white facial markings.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Nests are built in tree cavities, hollow tree trunks, or occasionally on the ground near water bodies.
- Nest made up of: The nest is usually lined with grass, leaves, and feathers for insulation and protection.
Breeding Season :
In India and Southeast Asia, it typically occurs during the monsoon season (June to September). In Africa, it corresponds with the rainy season, often between November and April.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season aligns with the breeding period
Egg Color :
The eggs are white or cream in color.
Egg Length :
5.8 to 7 cm long.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 4.2 to 4.8 cm wide.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs approximately 60 to 70 grams.
Clutch Size :
Typically lays a clutch of 6 to 15 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Usually one brood per season, but in ideal conditions, they may raise two.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts for about 28 to 30 days.
Nestling Period :
The young leave the nest after 1 to 2 days
Vocalization :
They are generally quiet birds but may produce soft whistling or grunting sounds during social interactions or when alarmed.
Sex Demorphism :
Yes, there is noticeable sexual dimorphism. Males are larger than females and possess a prominent knob on their bill. Females lack this feature and are generally smaller in size.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Knob-billed Ducks are partially migratory. They tend to migrate in response to seasonal changes in water levels and food availability.
- Migration Period: Migration generally coincides with the end of the breeding season, which in most regions is after the rainy season. They migrate between water bodies within their range from late summer to early winter.
- Migration Route: Their migration routes are generally local, moving between wetland areas within India, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. They may cover large distances but remain within these regions, seeking out suitable habitats as water sources fluctuate.
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