The Falcated Duck is a distinctive dabbling duck native to East Asia, named for the elongated, sickle-shaped tertial feathers of the breeding male. Males have a striking bronze-brown head with an iridescent green patch on the nape and a prominent crest. Females are mottled brown, similar to other female dabblers.
Where to spot
Breeds in eastern Russia, northern China, and Mongolia. Winters in warmer parts of East Asia, including Japan, South Korea, and southern China, often in freshwater lakes, rivers, and rice paddies.
How to spot
Identify breeding males by their unique sickle-shaped tertial feathers and iridescent green and bronze head. Females are brown with a relatively long neck and a small head. Look for them feeding in shallow water, often dabbling.
When to spot
Best observed during the wintering season (October-March) in East Asia, when large concentrations can be found. Also visible during spring and autumn migration periods.
Where to spot
Breeds in eastern Russia, northern China, and Mongolia. Winters in warmer parts of East Asia, including Japan, South Korea, and southern China, often in freshwater lakes, rivers, and rice paddies.
How to spot
Identify breeding males by their unique sickle-shaped tertial feathers and iridescent green and bronze head. Females are brown with a relatively long neck and a small head. Look for them feeding in shallow water, often dabbling.
When to spot
Best observed during the wintering season (October-March) in East Asia, when large concentrations can be found. Also visible during spring and autumn migration periods.
The Falcated Duck is known for its graceful, long-necked appearance and the striking 'falcate' (sickle-shaped) inner wing feathers of the male, which give it its name.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.