There are more than 130 species of ducks found across lakes, rivers, wetlands, and coastlines around the world. Sadly, many of these remarkable waterfowl are facing serious threats to their survival. Pollution, hunting, habitat loss, and climate change have all taken a toll on duck populations, pushing several species dangerously close to extinction. This is…
Scientific Name Biziura lobata Measurements Feature Male Female Length 60–70 cm (24–28 in) 47–55 cm (19–22 in) Weight 2,398 g (5.29 lb), up to 3,170 g (6.99 lb) 1,551 g (3.42 lb), as low as 993 g (2.19 lb) Status Musk ducks are not currently considered endangered. Hunting, wetland drainage, and rising salinity have impacted…
Scientific Name Heteronetta atricapilla Alternative Names Black-headed Duck Measurements Feature Male Female Length 35 cm (14 in) 35 cm (14 in) Weight 510 g (18 oz) 565 g (20 oz) Wingspan Not specified Not specified Status The black-headed duck is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its population is stable, and it has a…
Scientific Name Melanitta stejnegeri Alternative Names Siberian Scoter, Macreuse de Sibérie (French), Negrón siberiano (Spanish) Measurements Feature Measurement Body Length 53–60 cm Wingspan Around 86–99 cm Weight 1.1–1.8 kg (males heavier than females) Status Least Concern (IUCN), although localized declines have occurred. It was formerly grouped with the White-winged Scoter (Melanitta deglandi) but is now…
Scientific Name Camptorhynchus labradorius Alternative Names Pied duck, Skunk duck, Sand shoal duck Measurements Feature Measurement Body Length Approximately 51–58 cm Wingspan Estimated around 80–90 cm Weight Not well-documented, but believed to be similar to sea ducks of comparable size (around 1–1.5 kg) Status Extinct. The Labrador duck became extinct in the late 19th century….
Scientific Name Aythya innotata Alternative Names Fotsy maso or Onjo (in Malagasy) Measurements Measurement Range Body Length 42–56 cm Wingspan ~70–80 cm (estimated) Weight Approximately 600–800 g Clutch Size 6–10 eggs Diving Time (Adult) ~24 seconds Diving Time (Ducklings) ~10 seconds from 14 days old Status Critically Endangered. Thought to be extinct in the late…
Scientific Name Rhodonessa caryophyllacea. Measurements Measurement Range Body Length 41–43 cm Egg Length 1.71–1.82 inches Egg Width 1.61–1.70 inches Status This species is currently listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and is widely believed to be extinct, although unconfirmed reports from remote wetlands in northern Myanmar have left open the possibility that a small…
Scientific Name Marmaronetta angustirostris Alternative Names Also known as the marbled teal. Measurements Feature Measurement Length 39–42 cm Wingspan Not well documented, estimated around 63–70 cm Weight Approximately 400–600 g Status Classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to habitat destruction, wetland drainage and hunting pressures. It is listed under the Agreement on the…
Scientific Name Anas nesiotis Alternative Names Campbell Island teal Measurements Feature Measurement Length 40–43 cm Weight 400–500 g Wingspan Greatly reduced (flightless) Status The Campbell teal is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. It was previously considered extinct on Campbell Island before being rediscovered on Dent Island in 1975. After successful reintroduction efforts, its…
Scientific Name Anas aucklandica Alternative Names Auckland Islands teal, Tētē kākāriki (in Māori) Measurements Feature Measurement Length 40–45 cm Weight 400–600 g Wingspan 60–65 cm (reduced, flightless) Status The Auckland teal is classified as Near Threatened but considered the most secure of New Zealand’s three brown-plumaged teals. It is extinct from the main Auckland Island…