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).