Ferruginous Duck
NameFerruginous Duck
Common NameFerruginous Duck
Scientific NameAythya nyroca
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)65
Length (cm)40
Weight (g)525
Plumage DetailsMales have a rich reddish-brown head, neck, and flanks, a dark brown back, and a contrasting bright white undertail coverts. Their eyes are strikingly white. Females are duller, with a browner plumage and a less prominent white eye.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a quiet duck, but males may give a harsh, grating 'karr' or 'karr-karr' call during display. Females produce a softer 'kerr' sound.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeBreeds across southern and eastern Europe, western and central Asia, and parts of North Africa. Winters further south in Africa and Asia.
Identifying FeaturesReddish-brown plumage, Bright white eye (especially in males), Dark back, Prominent white undertail coverts, Diving behavior
Description
The Ferruginous Duck is a medium-sized diving duck with a distinctive reddish-brown plumage. It typically inhabits freshwater wetlands, feeding by diving for aquatic vegetation and invertebrates. Males are particularly striking with their bright white eyes.
