Marbled Duck:
Recently spotted a marbled duck — an unusual winter migrant at Sultanpur National Park after 30 years.
- The Marbled Duck, also known as marbled teal, is a relatively small duck characterized by its black bill, pale-spotted gray-brown plumage, dark eye patch, and the absence of a speculum.
- Scientific Name: Marmaronetta angustirostris
- It is distributed throughout the central and southwestern Palearctic biogeographic region in several highly fragmented populations that stretch from Central Asia to northwest Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.
- Palearctic includes Europe, Asia north of the Himalayas, and Africa north of the Sahara.
- Migratory Patterns: Populations in colder regions migrate south during winter, reaching areas like North Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
- It is typically found in temporary or semi-permanent wetlands, although it is ultimately tolerant of many types of wetlands, both natural and artificial, provided they offer shallow areas.
- It tends to prefer brackish wetlands over fresh or saline ones, and well-structured vegetation.
- It is a gregarious, non-territorial, and non-aggressive species.
- Marbled ducks are usually monogamous.
- They fly low and slowly and have noticeably long necks and wings.
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
