Birds of Alberton: Yellow-billed duck
The yellow-billed duck is a common resident closely related to the mallard duck.
The yellow-billed duck is a common duck species seen throughout many parts of South Africa.
The yellow-billed duck, as its name suggests, is characterised by its bright yellow bill which contrasts with its generally pale plumage. The bill has a black patch forming a saddle on the top side. These two features are the easiest way to identify a yellow-billed duck. The duck’s plumage is grey to dark brown, with individual feathers featuring a white edge. This colour configuration gives the duck a scaly appearance. When they take flight, green is visible on the back of the upper side of the wings.
Yellow-billed ducks are commonly seen either in pairs or in flocks on open water. They are generally resident and don’t migrate. They feed on plants both aquatic and terrestrial. Aquatic plants are eaten in the characteristic duck-like fashion by dipping the head underwater with their rear ends in the air.
Yellow-billed duck pairs construct a nest close to water. The nest is built on the ground and hidden by vegetation.
Sources:
Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa
https://www.beautyofbirds.com/yellowbilledducks.html
Also Read:
Birds of Alberton: the white-breasted cormorant
Garden birds of Alberton: The red-headed finch
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