Identification
Morphological Characteristics:
- Medium-sized body.
- Outside of breeding season, the head and neck have black spots, the rest of the underside is pale white, and the flanks are gray.
- The bill has a dark-colored fleshy caruncle (a wattle-like structure).
- Pale black wings contrast with the gray on the belly.
- Females and juveniles lack the caruncle on the bill.
- Juveniles are pale brown on the body with dark wings.
Biology and Ecology
- Inhabits marshes and freshwater lakes, found in low-lying areas.
- Typically found alone, in pairs, or in small flocks (averaging around 10 individuals), and may associate with other wild duck species.
- A migratory species that overwinters in Southern Vietnam and can fly through northeastern regions of the country.
- Breeding season: June to September annually.
- Nests in cavities in the soil along the water’s edge, where there is surrounding vegetation cover; rarely uses old nests of other species.
- Lays 7-15 eggs, pale cream in color. Egg size: 61.8 x 43.3 mm (79).
Distribution
Within Vietnam:
- Southern Vietnam: Sóc Trăng (formerly), Đồng Tháp, An Giang.
Global:
- Africa, India, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos.
Value
- Aesthetically pleasing appearance and coloration, with potential tourism value.
Conservation Status
- Listed in Appendix II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
- One of the duck species that overwinters in Vietnam; low numbers, rarely encountered, and requires conservation attention.
- Small flocks of 7-15 individuals were observed in 1994-1995 and 1999 in Tràm Chim National Park, Đồng Tháp, and in the wetlands of the Melaleuca forest managed by the An Giang Provincial Military Command, within a limited area of Melaleuca forest and flooded grasslands.
Assessment Category: LR nt (Lower Risk, near threatened)
Conservation Measures
- Listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book (1992, 2000) as “T” (Threatened).
- Tràm Chim National Park in Tam Nông, Đồng Tháp, is identified as one of the suitable overwintering sites for this species in Vietnam. Additionally, they have been observed in the Melaleuca forests and grasslands managed by the An Giang Provincial Military Command, although only conservation proposals for the future have been planned.
- Therefore, in addition to conducting extensive research surveys on waterbirds, there is a need for public awareness campaigns to educate people to distinguish between wild ducks, lesser whistling ducks, or garganey and the valuable duck species that need to be protected during their migration season in the remaining flooded grasslands of the Mekong Delta.