Types of Ducks
Types of Ducks in India

Beautiful Types of Ducks in India with Images & Facts

There are many species of ducks found in India, each with its own unique colouration, pattern, and behaviour. From the majestic Indian Spot-billed Duck to the graceful Northern Pintail, witness the beauty of these remarkable birds. This article shares information about more than Beautiful Types of Ducks in India.

Types of Ducks in India

This is a list of domestic duck breeds. Beautiful types of ducks in India with pictures.

  1. Lesser Whistling Duck
  2. Ruddy Shelduck
  3. Northern Shoveler
  4. Indian Spot Billed Duck
  5. Northern Pintail
  6. Eurasian Teal Duck
  7. Common Pochard
  8. Garganey Duck
  9. Tufted Duck
  10. Knob Billed Duck
  11. Falcated Duck
  12. Mallard Duck
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Lesser Whistling Duck

The Lesser Whistling Duck is a small, slender waterbird found in South and Southeast Asia. Known for its distinctive whistling call, the duck has a reddish-brown body and dark plumage. It prefers freshwater wetlands, marshes and lakes, often seen in large flocks. They are nocturnal feeders, eating mainly aquatic plants.

Category Details
Common Name Lesser Whistling Duck
Scientific Name Dendrocygna javanica
Habitat Freshwater wetlands, lakes, ponds, and marshes across Southeast Asia and India
Physical Appearance Medium-sized, brownish in color with a pale face and a white rump. Long legs and a straight posture
Call Soft, high-pitched whistling sound
Behavior Social, often found in large flocks. Active during dawn and dusk
Diet Feeds on grains, seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates
Breeding Season Typically during the monsoon season, nesting near water sources
Conservation Status Least Concern (IUCN), with stable populations across its range

Ruddy Shelduck

The ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), known as the brahminy duck in India, is a distinctive water bird, measuring 58 to 70 cm (23 to 28 in) in length and having a wingspan of 110 to 135 cm (43 to 53 in). There are very small populations of this species in northwestern Africa and Ethiopia.

It is omnivorous and feeds on grasses, young shoots, grains and aquatic plants. The Ruddy Shelduck is usually found in pairs or small groups and rarely in large flocks. The babies are cared for by both parents and begin to fly approximately eight weeks after hatching.

Category Details
Common Name Ruddy Shelduck
Scientific Name Tadorna ferruginea
Habitat Lakes, rivers, wetlands, and marshes in Central and South Asia
Physical Appearance Bright orange-brown body with a white head and black wingtips. The males have a black neck ring.
Diet Feeds on grasses, aquatic plants, seeds, and small fish
Behavior Migratory, usually seen in pairs. Known for loud honking calls and territorial behavior.
Conservation Status Least Concern (IUCN), with stable populations across its range
Beautiful Types of Ducks in India
Beautiful Types of Ducks in India

Northern Shoveler

Known in Britain as the Shoveler, they are 48 cm (19 in) long with a wingspan of 76 cm (30 in) and weigh 600 g (1.3 lb). The female has a brown forewing. The population has been healthy since the 1960s and in recent years numbers have risen to over 5 million (2015).

Category Details
Common Name Northern Shoveler
Scientific Name Spatula clypeata
Habitat Freshwater marshes, lakes, and wetlands across North America, Europe, and Asia
Physical Appearance Males have an iridescent green head, white chest, and rusty sides. Notable for their large, spatula-shaped bill.
Diet Feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates, filtering food through its large bill
Behavior Migratory and social, often seen in mixed flocks. They swim in circles to stir up food.
Conservation Status Least Concern (IUCN), with widespread and stable populations

Indian Spot Billed Duck

The Indian Spot-billed Duck is a medium-sized dabbling duck commonly found in South Asia. Males are identified by their attractive greenish-black head, white neck and distinctive orange spot on the bill. Females are mottled brown with lighter faces.

The Indian Spot-billed Duck is a valuable part of its ecosystem, contributing to the health of wetland habitats. It measures 55–63 cm (22–25 in) in length and 83–95 cm (33–37 in) across the wings, and has a body mass of 790–1,500 g (1.74–3.31 lb).

Category Details
Common Name Indian Spot-Billed Duck
Scientific Name Anas poecilorhyncha
Habitat Freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands in India and Southeast Asia
Physical Appearance Grey-brown body with a distinctive yellow-tipped bill and red spots on the base of the bill.
Diet Feeds on aquatic plants, small fish, and insects
Behavior Often seen in pairs or small flocks. Known for their calm and shy demeanor.
Conservation Status Least Concern (IUCN), with a stable population

Northern Pintail

Northern Pintail females are mottled brown and have a lighter color. It is a beautiful and slender dabbling duck found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Males can be easily identified by their long necks, pointed tails, and attractive chocolate-brown heads with a white stripe down the neck.

Category Details
Common Name Northern Pintail
Scientific Name Anas acuta
Habitat Wetlands, shallow lakes, and marshes in North America, Europe, and Asia
Physical Appearance Males have a long neck with a slender body, brown head, and white stripe down the neck. Long tail feathers are distinctive.
Diet Feeds on seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates
Behavior Migratory, usually seen in flocks. Fast, agile fliers known for their graceful flight.
Conservation Status Least Concern (IUCN), though populations are subject to fluctuations

Eurasian Teal Duck

The Eurasian Teal is the smallest of the British waterbirds. Outside the breeding season it is a very sociable duck and can form large flocks, with a body length of about 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm).

Category Details
Common Name Eurasian Teal
Scientific Name Anas crecca
Habitat Freshwater lakes, marshes, and rivers across Europe and Asia
Physical Appearance Males have a chestnut head with a green eye patch and a grey body. Females are mottled brown.
Diet Feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates
Behavior Highly migratory, often seen in flocks. Agile fliers and active during dawn and dusk.
Conservation Status Least Concern (IUCN), with
Beautiful Types of Ducks in India
Beautiful Types of Ducks in India

Common Pochard

A medium-sized diving duck in the family Anatidae. The Common Pochard, known as the Pochard in the United Kingdom, breeds mainly in the steppe regions of Scandinavia and Siberia, and spends the winters farther south and west, since it was first domesticated in China some 2,000 to 3,000 years ago.

Category Details
Common Name Common Pochard
Scientific Name Aythya ferina
Habitat Freshwater lakes, ponds, and wetlands across Europe and Asia
Physical Appearance Males have a chestnut-red head, black breast, and grey body. Females are brown with paler flanks.
Diet Feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates
Behavior Migratory, forms large flocks in winter. Often dives for food.
Conservation Status Vulnerable (IUCN), with declining populations due to habitat loss

Garganey Duck

The garganey is a small dabbling duck. It breeds in much of Europe and the Paleoarctic, but is fully migratory, with its entire population migrating to Bangladesh, Africa, India, and Australia during the Northern Hemisphere winter.

They are 48 cm (19 in) long and have a wingspan of 76 cm (30 in) and weigh 600 g (1.3 lb). Garganey ducks use their highly specialized beaks to eat aquatic invertebrates as well as folding basal shovelers prefer to nest in grassy areas away from open water.

Category Details
Common Name Garganey Duck
Scientific Name Spatula querquedula
Habitat Freshwater wetlands, lakes, and marshes in Europe, Africa, and Asia
Physical Appearance Males have a distinctive white stripe over the eye with grey and brown body. Females are mottled brown.
Diet Feeds on seeds, aquatic plants, and insects
Behavior Migratory, traveling long distances. Often seen in mixed flocks during migration.
Conservation Status Least Concern (IUCN), though populations fluctuate regionally

Tufted Duck

The Tufted Duck is a distinctive diving duck found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. Males are easily recognizable by their glossy black head, attractive tuft on the back, and white feathers.

Females are brownish in color, with a lighter tuft and a yellow face. These ducks prefer freshwater lakes and ponds and feed on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. Average length 43.2 cm 43.2 cm.

Category Details
Common Name Tufted Duck
Scientific Name Aythya fuligula
Habitat Freshwater lakes and ponds across Europe and Asia
Physical Appearance Males are black with a white belly and have a distinctive tuft of feathers on their heads. Females are brown.
Diet Feeds on aquatic plants, mollusks, and insects
Behavior Migratory, often diving for food. Forms large flocks in winter.
Conservation Status Least Concern (IUCN)

Knob Billed Duck

Widely known as the comb duck or Necta knob-billed duck, it is found in freshwater rivers, lakes and swamps where it is usually rare. Generally silent. The length can range from 56 to 76 cm (22 to 30 in), the wingspan ranges from 116 to 145 cm (46 to 57 in) and the weight ranges from 1.03 to 2.9 kg (2.3 to 6.4 lb).

Category Details
Common Name Knob-Billed Duck
Scientific Name Sarkidiornis melanotos
Habitat Freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands in Africa and South Asia
Physical Appearance Males have a distinctive black knob on the bill. Both sexes have glossy green and black plumage with white underparts.
Diet Feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and small fish
Behavior Non-migratory, often seen in small flocks. Known for their strong, heavy flight.
Conservation Status Least Concern (IUCN), though habitat loss is a growing concern

Falcated Duck

The falcated duck is a medium-sized dabbling duck found in parts of East Asia and Europe. The males are attractive with their bright green heads, slender necks and distinctive falcate (sword-like) tails.

The females are mottled brown and almost resemble a female mallard. Falcated ducks prefer shallow wetlands and marshlands, feeding mainly on aquatic plants and seeds. They are migratory and are known for their graceful flight patterns.

Category Details
Common Name Falcated Duck
Scientific Name Mareca falcata
Habitat Freshwater lakes, rivers, and marshes in East Asia
Physical Appearance Males have long, curved, metallic green feathers on the head and neck, giving them a falcated appearance.
Diet Feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates
Behavior Migratory, often seen in mixed flocks during migration.
Conservation Status Near Threatened (IUCN), with declining populations due to habitat destruction

Mallard Duck

The mallard duck is a widely recognized waterfowl species found in North America, Europe, and Asia. The male has a vibrant green head, white neck ring, and chestnut-brown chest, while females are brown for camouflage.

Mallards live in a variety of freshwater environments and are known for their adaptability, varied diet, and distinctive screeching call.

Category Details
Common Name Mallard Duck
Scientific Name Anas platyrhynchos
Habitat Lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands across North America, Europe, and Asia
Physical Appearance Males have a glossy green head, white neck ring, and brown chest. Females are mottled brown.
Diet Feeds on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish
Behavior Migratory in some regions, highly social. Often forms large flocks, especially in winter.
Conservation Status Least Concern (IUCN), with stable populations worldwide

Category Details
Common Name Common Pochard
Scientific Name Aythya ferina
Habitat Freshwater lakes, ponds, and wetlands across Europe and Asia
Physical Appearance Males have a chestnut-red head, black breast, and grey body. Females are brown with paler flanks.
Diet Feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates
Behavior Migratory, forms large flocks in winter. Often dives for food.
Conservation Status Vulnerable (IUCN), with declining populations due to habitat loss

Garganey Duck

The garganey is a small dabbling duck. It breeds in much of Europe and the Paleoarctic, but is fully migratory, with its entire population migrating to Bangladesh, Africa, India, and Australia during the Northern Hemisphere winter.

They are 48 cm (19 in) long and have a wingspan of 76 cm (30 in) and weigh 600 g (1.3 lb). Garganey ducks use their highly specialized beaks to eat aquatic invertebrates as well as folding basal shovelers prefer to nest in grassy areas away from open water.

Category Details
Common Name Garganey Duck
Scientific Name Spatula querquedula
Habitat Freshwater wetlands, lakes, and marshes in Europe, Africa, and Asia
Physical Appearance Males have a distinctive white stripe over the eye with grey and brown body. Females are mottled brown.
Diet Feeds on seeds, aquatic plants, and insects
Behavior Migratory, traveling long distances. Often seen in mixed flocks during migration.
Conservation Status Least Concern (IUCN), though populations fluctuate regionally

Tufted Duck

The Tufted Duck is a distinctive diving duck found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. Males are easily recognizable by their glossy black head, attractive tuft on the back, and white feathers.

Females are brownish in color, with a lighter tuft and a yellow face. These ducks prefer freshwater lakes and ponds and feed on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. Average length 43.2 cm 43.2 cm.

Category Details
Common Name Tufted Duck
Scientific Name Aythya fuligula
Habitat Freshwater lakes and ponds across Europe and Asia
Physical Appearance Males are black with a white belly and have a distinctive tuft of feathers on their heads. Females are brown.
Diet Feeds on aquatic plants, mollusks, and insects
Behavior Migratory, often diving for food. Forms large flocks in winter.
Conservation Status Least Concern (IUCN)

Knob Billed Duck

Widely known as the comb duck or Necta knob-billed duck, it is found in freshwater rivers, lakes and swamps where it is usually rare. Generally silent. The length can range from 56 to 76 cm (22 to 30 in), the wingspan ranges from 116 to 145 cm (46 to 57 in) and the weight ranges from 1.03 to 2.9 kg (2.3 to 6.4 lb).

Category Details
Common Name Knob-Billed Duck
Scientific Name Sarkidiornis melanotos
Habitat Freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands in Africa and South Asia
Physical Appearance Males have a distinctive black knob on the bill. Both sexes have glossy green and black plumage with white underparts.
Diet Feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and small fish
Behavior Non-migratory, often seen in small flocks. Known for their strong, heavy flight.
Conservation Status Least Concern (IUCN), though habitat loss is a growing concern

Falcated Duck

The falcated duck is a medium-sized dabbling duck found in parts of East Asia and Europe. The males are attractive with their bright green heads, slender necks and distinctive falcate (sword-like) tails.

The females are mottled brown and almost resemble a female mallard. Falcated ducks prefer shallow wetlands and marshlands, feeding mainly on aquatic plants and seeds. They are migratory and are known for their graceful flight patterns.

Category Details
Common Name Falcated Duck
Scientific Name Mareca falcata
Habitat Freshwater lakes, rivers, and marshes in East Asia
Physical Appearance Males have long, curved, metallic green feathers on the head and neck, giving them a falcated appearance.
Diet Feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates
Behavior Migratory, often seen in mixed flocks during migration.
Conservation Status Near Threatened (IUCN), with declining populations due to habitat destruction

Mallard Duck

The mallard duck is a widely recognized waterfowl species found in North America, Europe, and Asia. The male has a vibrant green head, white neck ring, and chestnut-brown chest, while females are brown for camouflage.

Mallards live in a variety of freshwater environments and are known for their adaptability, varied diet, and distinctive screeching call.

Category Details
Common Name Mallard Duck
Scientific Name Anas platyrhynchos
Habitat Lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands across North America, Europe, and Asia
Physical Appearance Males have a glossy green head, white neck ring, and brown chest. Females are mottled brown.
Diet Feeds on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish
Behavior Migratory in some regions, highly social. Often forms large flocks, especially in winter.
Conservation Status Least Concern (IUCN), with stable populations worldwide

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