Mottled Duck
NameMottled Duck
Common NameMottled Duck
Scientific NameAnas fulvigula
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)88.5
Length (cm)53
Weight (g)1000
Plumage DetailsOverall dark brown, heavily mottled with buff or tan on the body. The head and neck are paler, buffy-tan, often with fine streaking. Males have a bright yellow bill, while females have a duller yellow to orange bill with dark splotches. The speculum (wing patch) is iridescent blue-green, typically bordered by black but lacking a white border.
Vocalization / CallFemales produce a loud, descending series of quacks, similar to a Mallard but often less rapid. Males give a softer, lower-pitched 'kwek' or 'raeb' call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound along the Gulf Coast of the United States, primarily in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, extending into parts of Mexico.
Identifying FeaturesUniformly dark, mottled brown body, Pale, unstreaked head and neck, Bright yellow bill (males), Iridescent blue-green speculum without white borders, Lack of strong sexual dimorphism in plumage
Description
The Mottled Duck is a medium-sized dabbling duck characterized by its uniformly dark, mottled brown plumage and a contrasting paler head and neck. It typically forages in shallow water, feeding on aquatic vegetation and invertebrates.
