Falcated Duck

• 17 Jan 2025

Why in News? 

Recently, a rare bird species, the Falcated Duck was spotted by bird watchers and nature enthusiasts at Sultanpur National Park in Gurugram. 

 

Key Points 

• Falcated Duck: 
  • The Falcated Teal (Mareca falcata), also known as the Falcated Duck, is a dabbling duck. 
  • Distribution: 
    • Found from eastern Siberia and Mongolia to northern Japan. 
    • Wintering grounds include Southeast Asia and eastern India. 
    • Rare sightings have also been recorded in America, Poland, and Thailand. 
  • Habitat: 
    • Prefers freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes surrounded by forests. 
  • Breeding: 
    • The breeding season lasts from May to early July. 
    • Nests are built on the ground near water, typically in tall grass or brush. 
  • Diet: 
    • Primarily herbivorous, feeding on vegetable matter, seeds, rice, and aquatic plants. 
    • Occasionally consumes small invertebrates and soft-shelled mollusks. 
  • Threats: 
    • Hunting is a major threat, driven by demand for their meat and feathers. 
  • Conservation Status: 
    • Listed as "Near Threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 

 Sultanpur National Park   

• About:   
  • Sultanpur National Park is a bird paradise for bird watchers. It is famous for its migratory as well as resident birds.   
    • Migratory birds start arriving in the park in September. Birds use the park as a resting place till the following March-April.   
    • During summer and monsoon months the park is inhabited by many local bird species.   
  • In April 1971, the Sultanpur Jheel inside the park (an area of 1.21 sq. Km.) was accorded Sanctuary status under section 8 of the Punjab Wildlife Preservation Act, 1959.   
  • The status of the park was upgraded to National Park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in July 1991.   
• Location:   
  • It is situated in Gurgaon district of Haryana. The distance of the park is around 50 Km from Delhi and 15km from Gurgaon.   
• Important Fauna at the Park:   
  • Mammals: Blackbuck, Nilgai, Hog deer, Sambar, Leopard etc.   
  • Birds: Siberian Cranes, Greater Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane etc.