The Indian Spot-billed Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) is a common resident in lakes
and other fresh water bodies across India. The name comes from the yellow tip
and red spot on the bill. It has a brownish scaly-patterned body and green
speculum, with white tertials that are prominent in flight. It’s legs and feet are orange in color. It is
a medium sized duck and weighs between 750 gm to 1.5 kg.
Indian Spot-billed duck at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary near Delhi
Though these ducks are found with their mate during the
breeding season, they flock together in large numbers at other times. Almost
every lake would find a few ducks, either roosting or busy swimming around.
They take to flight at the slightest alarm with loud quacks and a noisy beating
of wings.
Indian Spot-billed duck at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary near Delhi
They are dabbling ducks, and they dive to eat vegetation
below the water. Unlike their cousins, the Eastern Spot-billed Duck that
migrates to the far east, the Indian Spot-billed Ducks do not migrate but are
resident year round in India.
Indian Spot-billed Ducks in flight over Surajpur Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
Breeding is usually between July to September depending
on the rains, and they build nests on the ground near a water source. During
this season, it is common to see these ducks in pairs, followed by a string of
ducklings.
Indian Spot-billed Ducks at Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur
Indian Spot-billed Ducks at Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur
Indian Spot-billed Ducks take off at Surajpur Bird Sanctuary
These birds are classified as “Least Concern” in the IUCN
Red List. The population is seen decreasing, but not so much to be categorized
as vulnerable.
Indian Spot-billed Duck flying over Basai wetlands near Gurgaon
I have photographed these birds at almost all the water
bodies and marshes that I visit for birding, so much so that I have stopped
clicking them unless it is for aesthetic reasons. These birds are beautiful in
water and in flight, and good sunlight brings out brilliant colors in these
otherwise ordinary birds.
Indian Spot-billed Duck, Bharatpur
Amidst marsh vegetation at Bharatpur
Roosting on water at Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Indian Spot-billed duck at Surajpur Bird Sanctury
A brace of Indian Spot-billed ducks at Surajpur Bird Sanctuary
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