Yellow-billed Duck

The Yellow-billed duck [Anas undulate] is a dabbling duck which is common resident breeder in southern and eastern Africa. This species is mainly sedentary, although the southern African population is more nomadic, undertaking considerable local movements with the availability of seasonal wetlands.

Description

They are mainly grey ducks with a darker head and bright yellow bill. The wings are whitish below, and from above show a white-bordered green speculum. Sexes are similar, and juveniles are slightly duller than adults. The north-eastern race is darker and has a brighter bill and blue speculum.

Call

The male has a teal-like whistle, whereas the female has a mallard-like quack.

Food

They feed mainly on plants, supplemented with animals. However the juveniles have a diet dominated by animals, eating more plants as they get older. 

Breeding

The Yellow-billed duck is a monogamous and is a solitary nester. The pair bond is very short, breaking before the chicks have hatched. The female builds the nest, which is a shallow depression in the ground, lined with fine grass or weeds. It is usually placed in dense cover near water. The egg-laying season is year-round, with incubation done solely by the female for 26-29 days.

Conservation Status – Least Concern.

This species is not threatened and has an extremely large range and the population trend appears to be stable. Hybridisation of the species with the Northern Mallard Anas platyrhynchos represents a threat to the integrity of the species.

Birdwatching

These beautiful, confiding birds can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures: -

Aves Arid Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure.

Aves Eastern Cape Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.

Aves Highlands / Tembe Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.

Aves KZN Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.

Aves North East Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.

Aves North West Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.

Aves Western Cape Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.

Aves West Coast Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.