Masked Duck

Overview

Masked Duck: Small stifftail duck with black-tipped blue bill and black mask with thin white eye-ring. Body is rufous-brown with black streaks on the back and sides; white wing patches are visible in flight. Feeds on aquatic plants, insects and crustaceans. Direct flight with rapid wing beats.

Range and Habitat

Masked Duck: Found primarily in the tropics and neotropics with populations throughout Mexico. Strays to Texas where it has bred. Multiple records for Louisiana and Florida, single records for several other eastern U.S. states. Inhabits marshy ponds with heavy vegetation, often found in rice fields.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Masked Duck was first described in 1766 by Carolus Linnaeus, Swedish botanist, physician and zoologist. These ducks are usually very secretive. A group of ducks has many collective nouns, including a "brace", "flush", "paddling", "raft", and "team" of ducks.