Falcated Duck

Mareca falcata

Ducks, Swans, and Geese · Anseriformes · Uncommon

The Falcated Duck (Mareca falcata) is a uncommon ducks, swans, and geese found in 33 countries, weighing about 646 g. The falcated duck or falcated teal is a gadwall-sized dabbling duck from the east Palearctic.

Least ConcernUncommonEats plantswetlandscrape nest646 g

About the Falcated Duck

The falcated duck or falcated teal is a gadwall-sized dabbling duck from the east Palearctic.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

Males and females have similar lengths at 46 to 53 cm (18–21 in). Their weight can range from 422 to 770 g (14.9–27.2 oz), with males weighing more than their female counterparts. Wingspans range from 79 to 91 cm (31–36 in). The breeding male is unmistakable. Most of the body plumage is finely vermiculated grey, with the long sickle-shaped tertials, which give this species its name, hanging off its back. The large head is dark green with a white throat, and a dark green collar and bronzed crown. The vent region is patterned in yellow, black and white.

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, France, Poland, Pakistan, Austria, Italy.

When to see it

Best months: January, February, March, April, May, November, December, with peak activity in January. It is a winter visitor species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Falcated Duck?
Males and females have similar lengths at 46 to 53 cm (18–21 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Falcated Duck?
The Falcated Duck is a large sized bird weighing about 646 g.
Where can you see a Falcated Duck?
The Falcated Duck occurs in 33 countries, including Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea and India.
What birds look similar to a Falcated Duck?
The Falcated Duck is most easily confused with the Chiloe Wigeon, the Eurasian Wigeon and the American Wigeon.
Is the Falcated Duck endangered?
The Falcated Duck is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Falcated Duck for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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