Mottled Duck Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  A relatively large duck, similar in size to a Mallard, with a sturdy body, short neck, short tail, and moderately long bill.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Blue-winged Teal, smaller than a Common Merganser.

  between crow and goose

  Measurements

  • Male
  • • Length: 19.7-22.5 in (50-57.2 cm)
    • Weight: 30.9-43.8 oz (876-1241 g)
    • Wingspan: 32.7-34.3 in (83.1-87.2 cm)
  • Female
  • • Length: 18.5-21.0 in (46.9-53.4 cm)
    • Weight: 24.7-40.6 oz (699-1151 g)
    • Wingspan: 31.5-327.2 in (80-831 cm)

  © Patrick J. Blake / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Both sexes are mostly brown and buff, like a female Mallard but richer with a yellow bill and a black patch at the opening of the bill (the gape). The very buffy face and throat lack fine streaking. The back (scapulars) and sides are rich brown streaked with buff. Males have intensely yellow bills; females have greenish yellow to orangeish, with or without dark markings. White in the tail is an indication that the individual has some Mallard genes: a pure Mottled Duck has a dark tail.

• Behavior

  Mottled Ducks are “dabbling ducks” that feed at the surface or tip up to reach submerged vegetation. They rarely dive unless being pursued by a predator.
• Habitat

  Freshwater wetlands including marshes, lakes, ponds, ditches, impoundments, flooded fields (including rice fields), stormwater collection areas, mosquito control reservoirs, and sewage treatment plants.