Mexican Duck

The Mexican duck, Anas diazi, is a species of dabbling duck with a general resemblance to the female mallard. It is characterized by a predominantly brown plumage and measures between 51 to 56 centimeters in length. The blue speculum edged with white is a distinctive feature, particularly noticeable when the bird is in flight or at rest. Males can be identified by their brighter yellow bills compared to the females.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Mexican duck, look for a bird similar in size and shape to a female mallard but with a slightly darker body. The blue speculum edged with white on the wings is a key feature to look for. The male's bill is a brighter yellow than the female's, which can aid in sex differentiation.

Habitat

The Mexican duck is found in a variety of wetlands, including ponds and rivers. It is well-adapted to its environment, often seen dabbling for plant food or grazing near the water's edge.

Distribution

This species is predominantly resident in Mexico and the southwestern United States. However, some northern populations migrate south to Mexico during the winter. The Mexican duck also appears in limited numbers across Colorado in all seasons, with occasional sightings in Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Montana.

Behaviour

Mexican ducks are known to feed at night on irrigated fields, showing a particular fondness for the green shoots of alfalfa. They typically nest on river banks, although not always in close proximity to water.

Song & Calls

The male Mexican duck emits a nasal call, while the female produces the quintessential "quack" commonly associated with ducks.

Diet and Feeding

These ducks have a preference for green shoots of alfalfa, which they forage for during nocturnal feeding sessions on irrigated fields.

Conservation status

The Mexican duck is currently classified as a species of least concern, but it faces a slow decline due to habitat destruction and overhunting. Hybridization with the more adaptable mallards poses an additional threat, as it could lead to the loss of the Mexican duck as a distinct taxonomic entity. Conservation measures such as wetland preservation and targeted hunting regulations could help mitigate these risks. Previously listed as an endangered species in the United States in 1967, the Mexican duck was delisted in 1978.