Falcated Duck
Mareca falcata

At a Glance

This Asian duck, formerly called Falcated Teal, is a very rare stray into western Alaska. Sightings elsewhere in North America are likely to refer to escapes from captivity.
Category
Duck-like Birds, Surface Feeding Ducks
Conservation
Low Concern
Habitat
Freshwater Wetlands, Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers, Tundra and Boreal Habitats
Region
Alaska and The North
Behavior
Direct Flight, Rapid Wingbeats

Range & Identification

Description

19" (48.5 cm). Male has mostly gray body, large squarish head patterned with chestnut and green. Long, curved (or falcate) tertial feathers hang down past tail. Female drab and brown, with squarish head; resembles female Gadwall but has black bill.
Size
About the size of a Crow, About the size of a Mallard or Herring Gull
Color
Blue, Brown, Gray, Green, White, Yellow
Wing Shape
Pointed, Tapered
Tail Shape
Short

Songs and Calls

Male utters low-pitched, trilled whistle; female quacks much like Gadwall.
Call Pattern
Flat, Simple
Call Type
Croak/Quack, Whistle