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Nigel Key Black-Headed Duck
(Slimbridge May 2015)
The Black-Headed duck is related to the stiff tail duck, though it lacks the stiff tail and swollen bill and is the only member of the Heteronetta genus from South America.
The Black-Headed duck does not build its own nest but instead lays its eggs in other birds' nests such as the Rosybill, Coot etc and as such is often called the Cuckoo duck.
| Hear the Black-Headed Duck's Call:- |
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Conservation Status
Size
350mm to 380mm (14" to 15")
Appearance - Male
The male Black-headed Duck has a black head and neck, dark-brown eyes, bluish-grey bill with Red around the base during breeding season The upperparts wings and tail are Dark-Brown with lighter-brown underparts. The legs and feet are grey.
Appearance - Female
The female is similar to the male except it has a brown head and neck with a dark-brown crown, whitish chin and stripe running through the eye.
Habitat
Swamps, Lakes and Marshes of temperate South America.
Diet
Aquatic plants, seeds, insects and invertebrates.
Breeding Time
September to December
Nest
The Black Headed duck does not build a nest but lays its eggs in other birds nests.
Eggs
Quantity: 5 to 16
Colour: White.
