Fun Falcated Duck Facts For Kids

The falcated duck is a type of migratory bird species found in eastern and southern Asia and Russia. The falcated teal duck is a near-threatened species.

They are about 18-21 in (46-53 cm) long and weigh about 0.9-1.6 lb (420- 770 g). Females of this species sport brown-colored feathers with a pale gray underwing, much like the American wigeon and Eurasian wigeon. Breeding males are gorgeous with gray bodies and dark green heads.

They also have a white throat, green collar, and brown crown. They have a sickle-shaped tertial feather on their backs that earned them their name. These birds breed in eastern Asia and Russia and migrate to southern Asia for wintering.

Mareta falcata is the scientific name of the falcated duck. Anas falcata is also a name that was used for them.

If you want to know more amazing animal facts, please check out the long-tailed duck and ring-necked duck facts too. 

Falcated Duck Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a falcated duck?

The falcated duck (Mareca falcata, also known as Anas falcata) is a type of migratory duck species predominantly found in East and South Asian countries. They are also known as the falcated teal.

What class of animal does a falcated duck belong to?

The falcated duck (Mareca falcata, also known as Anas falcata) belongs to the Aves class of the Animalia kingdom. This means they are a type of bird.

How many falcated ducks are there in the world?

It is estimated that there are about 89,000 falcated ducks in the world. This seems like a big number but the truth is that this species is listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List, with a decreasing population.

Where does a falcated duck live?

The falcated duck is mostly found throughout Southeast Asia. It is known that the Dalcated duck breeds in Russia, North Korea, northern China, northern Japan, and inner Mongolia.

Though the falcated duck breeds in eastern Asia and Russia, they are migratory birds that are known to winter throughout Southeast Asia in the countries of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, and China.

What is a falcated duck's habitat?

Being a breed of duck, it is no surprise that these birds live near and in freshwater sources. The falcated duck can be found in places with an abundant source of freshwater.

These birds can be found in places like rivers, ponds, lakes, bogs, and marshes surrounded by forests. These birds prefer wetland habitats and live in the water or near water for the most part.

Who do falcated ducks live with?

The falcated duck is a sociable species. They mostly live in pairs or small groups. While migrating and wintering, they seem to form large flocks and fly together. They have even been seen to migrate with other duck species similar to them like the gadwalls.

How long does a falcated duck live?

The exact life expectancy of a wild falcated duck is unknown. Other species of ducks seem to live up to five to 10 years which might also hold for the falcated teal.

How do they reproduce?

The falcated teal species has a very interesting mating ritual. They are seasonally monogamous and their breeding season is from May to July.

A falcated duck breeds once every year. During the beginning of the breeding season, females let out inciting calls. They point their bills, lift their chins, and let out different sounds.

They also preen behind the feathers of males that they want to mate with. Male birds then make a display of their own while letting out voices.

They do a shake, neck stretch, burp call, and whistle. After their mating is over, female ducks prefer to make their nests near the water, usually in a bushy or grassy area. They lay cream eggs and can lay about six to 10 eggs in one clutch.

They are seasonally monogamous which means both males and females have a single partner for one mating season. The mothers usually incubate the eggs for about 25 days and the fledgling time is about 45 to 60 days.

What is their conservation status?

The falcated duck is listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List which means their population is pretty low. They also have a decreasing population which is worrisome.  

Falcated Duck Fun Facts

What do falcated ducks look like?

The falcated duck is a beautiful species of bird, especially the males of this species are colorful and gorgeous. An adult falcated teal is about 18-21 in (46-53 cm) long and weighs about 0.9-1.6 lb (420- 770 g). They are the size of gadwall ducks.

Females of this bird species are lighter than males. Females also have dark brown and tan feathers with plumage, not unlike the American wigeon and the Eurasian wigeon.

Adult males of this species look very different than females. These male birds have a bright gray color with their head being dark green. They also have a white throat and a bronzed crown finished off with a dark green collar.

They have sickle-shaped tertial feathers that give the birds their name. Both male and female birds have a pale gray underwing visible only during flight.

They also have long gray bills. The juvenile birds of this species have a similar coloring to adult females, only the breeding male gets to show off bright beautiful feathers. However, females can camouflage themselves better with their coloration.

How cute are they?

They are a very cute species of ducks. Males are very beautiful and colorful. Females are not as colorful but like all ducks, they bring out the beauty of water bodies. They are very pleasant to look at and their ducklings are also very cute.

How do they communicate?

Communication is key for these birds as they are very social creatures. They often live in groups and pairs.

They also form large groups, sometimes with other duck species, during wintering and migrating. As mentioned before, the falcated teal has a very intricate mating ritual that involves communication from both the male and the female. Other than that, males make a low whistle noise while females quack.

They also have good eyesight which is key for migration. They have also been known to fraternize with ducks of other species, especially those belonging to the Anas genus such as gadwalls.

How big is a falcated duck?

The average adult falcated duck is about 18-21 in (46-53 cm). Both male and female ducks of this species have a similar size.

How fast can a falcated duck fly?

We could not find a valid source to know the exact speed at which this bird flies. However, falcated ducks are migratory birds and have great wing strength. It can be said that they are great fliers.

How much does a falcated duck weigh?

The average weight of an adult falcated duck is about 0.9-1.6 lb (420-770 g). Male birds weigh a little more than female birds.

What are the male and female names of the species?

Like every other duck, the male falcated duck is called a drake while a female is called a duck or a hen (in ornithology). However, they do not have male and female names specifically for their species.

What would you call a baby falcated duck?

A baby falcated duck is called a duckling.

What do they eat?

The falcated duck is a species of omnivorous bird. They prefer to eat more plant-based food. However, they also eat invertebrates from time to time. The falcated teal mostly eats grains, seeds, vegetables, and rice. They will also eat small invertebrates like mollusks and snails.

Are they dangerous?

No, falcated ducks are a moderately calm species of bird. The only defense against natural predators for these birds is their flight, and thus they try to avoid conflict by flying away when they feel threatened. They are peaceful birds that do not even fight amongst themselves that much.

Would they make a good pet?

There are several laws against making a wild bird your pet. It is in your best interest that you do not try to make one of these birds your pet.

Falcated ducks are a Near Threatened wild bird species that are also migratory. Making them your pet would mean that you are taking away their freedom, and so it is not a good idea to keep a falcated duck as a pet bird.

Did you know...

Falcated ducks can breed with other duck species, especially those from the Anas genus. There has also been proof of hybrid offspring of a falcated duck and a Eurasian wigeon with the duckling showing traits of both species.

How did the falcated duck get its name?

The falcated duck has been known by many names. It used to be called the falcated teal which is still a much-used name. Their scientific name has also changed recently when it was found out that their genus is Mareca and not Anas. Before their scientific name used to be Anas falcata and now it is Mareca falcata.

Do falcated ducks migrate?

Falcated ducks are a migratory species of bird and are known for flying miles over miles for wintering. They are extralimital birds known for their impressive flying while migrating.

They breed in Russia, China, Japan, North Korea, and Mongolia. During winter they migrate to India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Migration occurs mostly at night and they also have a vast migration range.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds including fulvous whistling duck, or common loon.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable falcated duck coloring pages.