Mandarin Duck Spotted in Assam

In eastern Assam a colourful duck has been sighted after 118 years. The Mandarin duck was sighted by the team of avian specialists in the Maguri-Motapung Beel of Tinsukia district in eastern Assam.

Maguri Motapung Beel

Overview

  • The duck՚s primary habitat is in eastern China and southern Japan.
  • These ducks don՚t come regularly to India.
  • Last time this duck was spotted in Assam in 1902.
  • Accompanied a flock of Indian spot-billed duck.
    • Could have migrated to China or Japan.
  • The scientific name of mandarin duck is Aix galericulata.
  • This duck is native to the East Palearctic.
  • Medium-sized with 41 – 49 cm in length and 65 – 75 cm of wingspan.
  • Closely related to North American wood duck.

Breeding

  • Usually prefers the dense breeding grounds.
  • Usually breeds into the shrubby forested edges of rivers and lakes.
  • It can also breed in valleys at altitudes of 1,500 m.
  • Marshes, flooded fields, and open rivers during winters.
  • Prefers fresh water.
  • Also be observed wintering in the coastal lagoons and estuaries.

White Winged Wood Duck

  • One of the largest living species of ducks.
  • One of the most endangered birds in the world.
  • It has a black body, a white head.
  • This duck was once was widely distributed cross north-east India and south-east Asia.
  • Mostly found in Assam՚s Nameri National Park and Dehing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • It is much rarer than the Mandarin duck with about 200 individuals.
  • White Winged Wood Ducks is called Deo Hans or Spirit Duck in Assamese due to its ghostly call.

Maguri Bill

  • It is also known as Maguri Motapung Bill, Maguri Bill.
  • This wetland and lake are located next to Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Motapung Village of Tinsukia district in Assam.
  • Maguri Motapung Beel serve as natural home to wildlife with over 110 resident and migratory bird species.
  • It also provided a source of livelihood to the local communities.
  • Eight bird species listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List:
    • Swamp grass babbler
    • The ferruginous duck
    • The white-winged wood duck
    • The falcated duck

Examrace Team at Sep 24, 2021