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Nigel Key Bronze-Winged Duck
(Slimbridge September 2013)
The Bronze-Winged duck, also known as the Spectacled duck, is a dabbling duck. It is the only living member of the Speculanas genus with its closest relatives being the Crested Duck or the Brazilian Duck.
The female makes a harsh 'barking' sound which gives rise to a name sometimes used of 'dog-duck'.
The Bronze-Winged Ducks spend a lot of their time on land at Slimbridge and don't often venture on to the water.
| Hear the Bronze-Winged Duck's Call:- |
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Conservation Status
Size
460mm to 540mm (18" to 21")
Appearance - Male
The Bronze-Winged Duck has a Brown head with a white stripe around its neck. It has a grey bill and a white patch in front of each eye.
The upper parts are mottled Brown and Light Brown and the underparts are a Grey-Brown. The wings are very dark, almost Black, with a 'Bronze' speculum after which it is named.
The legs and feet are a light yellow-Orange colour.
Appearance - Female
The same as the Drake.
Habitat
Lives amongst forested rivers, lakes, pools, ponds and fast flowing streams of the South America Andes, Argentina and Chile
Diet
Aquatic vegetation and seeds, insects and larvae.
Breeding Time
September to October.
Eggs
Quantity: 4 to 6
Colour: Dark Cream.
Argentinian Ruddy Duck
