About the White-winged Duck
The white-winged duck or white-winged wood duck is a large species of duck, formerly placed in the genus Cairina with the Muscovy duck and considered allied to the dabbling ducks. However, two genetic studies have indicated that the anatomical similarity to the Muscovy duck is deceiving, with the species appropriately placed in a monotypic genus, as Asarcornis scutulata; it proved evolutionarily closest to a clade containing the diving duck genera Netta and Aythya, while Cairina resolved as close to the genus Aix in a very different part of the family tree.
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ID tip
This is one of the largest living species of duck next only to the steamer ducks which are heavier. The Muscovy duck also attains sizes that nearly rival the white-winged duck, but may average a bit smaller in a wild state. Length is 66–81 cm (26–32 in) and wingspan is 116–153 cm (46–60 in). Males weigh 2.94–3.9 kg (6.5–8.6 lb), while females weigh 1.95–3.05 kg (4.3–6.7 lb). The most noticeable feature on adult birds is the dark body contrasting with a whitish head and neck.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Vietnam.
When to see it
Peak activity in March · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Meller's DuckAnas melleriThe Meller's duck resembles a large female mallard.
Hartlaub's DuckPteronetta hartlaubiiOn average, Hartlaub's ducks range from 56–58 centimetres (22–23 in) long.
Chubut Steamer DuckTachyeres leucocephalusAdult male Chubut steamer ducks have white heads with a bright yellow/orange bill with a black nail.
Learn the White-winged Duck for real
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