Marbled Duck | 11 Dec 2024

Why in News?

Recently, bird enthusiasts were thrilled to spot a marbled duck, a rare winter migrant, at Sultanpur National Park. Last recorded sighting of this species in Sultanpur was in 1990.

Key Points

Physical Characteristics:
- Medium-sized duck with grey-white plumage.
- Distinguished by a large head and light eye patches.
- Feeds on fish and aquatic plants.
Global Conservation Status:
- Classified as "vulnerable" globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- Population decline attributed to habitat destruction and hunting.
Geographic Range and Habits:
- Native to Europe, where it breeds during the summer months.
- Known to breed in three distinct regions: the eastern Mediterranean, western Mediterranean, and Iran.
- Prefers lowland, shallow freshwater habitats for breeding.
Occurrence in India:
- Rarely spotted in Delhi-NCR; last recorded at Bhindawas wetland in 2022.
- Limited sightings in Haryana, with records in Gurgaon during the 2000s.
- Previous observations include Gujarat and Rajasthan.

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.