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Nigel Key Yellow-Billed Duck
(Slimbridge November 2013)
The Yellow-Billed Duck is a dabbling duck from Southern and Eastern Africa.
There are two sub-species of the Yellow-Billed Duck, namely the Northern Yellow-Billed Duck and the Southern Yellow-Billed Duck.
The Southern Yellow-Billed Duck is in decline due to competition and hybridisation with the Mallard. The Yellow-Billed Duck is one of the wildfowl to which the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds applies.
| Hear the Yellow-Billed Duck's Call:- |
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Conservation Status
Size
510mm to 580mm (20" to 23")
Appearance - Male
The male has Brown with light scalloped plumage, darker on the back, with a light Grey streaked head and neck with Brown eyes. The bill is bright Yellow with a Black marking on the top and tip, the wings have a Green speculum and White under-wing. The legs and feet are Olive.
Appearance - Female
Similar to the male.
Habitat
Wetlands, Marshes, Swamps, Lakes and Streams.
Diet
Aquatic Plants, Seeds, Sedge, small Insects and Insect Larvae.
Breeding Time
December to April.
Nest
The nest is built on the ground from grass, rushes and reed stems and concealed by vegetation.
Eggs
Quantity: 6 to 12
Colour: Ivory.
South African Shelduck
