Falcated Duck

Falcated Ducks (Anas Falcata) are among the most dazzling of the dabblers. They are also known as Falcated Teal or Bronze-capped Ducks. Their name originated from the elongated, sickle-shaped, black and white ornamental inner secondaries that droop over the flanks, and even reach the water in swimming drakes. Males have got a peaked forehead and a long, shaggy, silky, bronzy-green to chest-nut-purple crest and mane. The shimmering iridescent crest cascades onto the back, hence their neck appears extremely thick. Even in flight the ducks appear squat and short-necked, with disproportionately large heads. Females of Falcated Duck (Anas Falcata) are slightly more brownish overall, with darker heads, and they have green-and-black speculums. They breed in southeastern Siberia and northeastern Mongolia east to Hokkaido in northern Japan. They are capable divers which normally forage in the water near emergent vegetation. Pairs breed within the forest limits, chiefly in river basins or near lakes. Falcated Ducks (Anas Falcata) prefer river oxbows and small lakes featuring a mixture of open and wooded cover. Laid during May and June their eggs are deposited in well-constructed nests concealed in tall herbage, or beneath bushes on wet, marshy ground. Falcated Ducks (Anas Falcata) tend to fly in formation when engaged in long-distance flights. Essentially vegetarian, the ducks feed on seeds, including rice and other grain, aquatic vegetation, as well as a few small molluscs and aquatic insects. Despite a relatively widespread distribution, Falcated Ducks (Anas Falcata) are rather local, but are reasonably abundant in some parts of Russia. The stunning ducks are extensively hunted in China for food and their ornamental feathers. Due to the their exquisite ornate plumage the ducks are extremely popular with aviculturists.