Masked Duck
Nomonyx dominicus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="nomonyx-dominicus"></birdfyi-bird>About
A small stiff-tailed duck (~360 g) of family Anatidae, breeding males with a black mask and chestnut body. Inhabits densely vegetated freshwater marshes and ponds from southern Texas to South America and the Caribbean. Dives for seeds and aquatic invertebrates. Secretive and rarely observed. Least Concern; tolerates a broad range of wetland habitats.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 27.6 cm | 10.9 in |
| Weight | 361.0 g | 12.73 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Male is rich rufous-chestnut with black mask from forehead to face, boldly spotted black on upperparts; blue bill. Female is streaked buff and brown with two dark facial stripes crossing pale cheeks.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident from Mexico and the Caribbean south through Central America to northern South America. Found in lowland freshwater marshes and lagoons.
Diet & Feeding
Dives and dabbles for aquatic seeds, plant matter, and invertebrates in freshwater marshes and ponds of Central and South America.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 23-24 days. Fledging: 45 days.
Clutch Size
4-6
Sound
Song
Male emits a soft, dove-like cooing note; female gives a harsh, emphatic quack. The male's gentle, almost melodic cooing is surprising for a stiff-tail; heard in tropical American marshes.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Nomonyx |
| Species | Nomonyx dominicus |
Distribution
Masked Duck has been recorded in 4 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Masked Duck eat?
Where does the Masked Duck live?
Is the Masked Duck endangered?
How does the Masked Duck nest?
What does the Masked Duck sound like?
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What order and family does the Masked Duck belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family