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.
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