A medium-sized dabbling duck with a distinctive large, spatulate bill adapted for filter feeding in shallow wetlands and marshes across North America, Europe, and Asia.
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ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Freshwater wetlands, shallow marshes, prairie ponds, seasonal wetlands, and grassland-associated water bodies with abundant aquatic vegetation and invertebrate populations
Ecological Role
Critical wetland ecosystem indicator species, plays significant role in aquatic food webs, seed dispersal, and maintaining ecological balance in freshwater habitats
Morphology
SKIN COATDense waterproof plumage, males have iridescent green heads and chestnut-colored flanks, females have mottled brown camouflage feathers
LIMBS WINGSRelatively short legs positioned posteriorly, webbed feet for efficient swimming, wings with blue-gray shoulder patches in males
HEAD SENSORYLarge eyes positioned laterally, broad bill with specialized lamellae for filter feeding small aquatic invertebrates and plant matter
BODY STRUCTURECompact body, length 43-52 cm, wingspan 74-86 cm, weight 350-700 g, with a distinctive broad, flat bill measuring 5-7 cm wide
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: aissadjamelfilali
