Philippine duck

The Philippine duck (Anas luzonica) is a threatened species of dabbling duck that inhabits wetland areas on several islands of the Philippines (southeast Asia). It is listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of endangered species, which is the lowest of the three categories for species that are believed to be at high risk of extinction in the wild.

Appearance

The Philippine duck is on the large side, at around 50 centimetres (19.5 inches) in length. It is mostly grey-brown in colour, darker above than below. There is a blue-green speculum patch (on the upper secondary wings), lined with white, that is seen when the bird is in flight. The head is ruddy brown with dark markings on the crown and nape and across the eye. The bill is greyish blue with a black tip. The legs are greyish brown. Males and females are similar in appearance.

Habitat

The Philippine duck inhabits both freshwater and seawater locations throughout The Philippines. It prefers marshy areas where there is plenty of cover, and can be found at sites up to 400 metres (1300 feet) above sea level. It is a sedentary species in that it stays in the same area throughout the year and does not migrate.

Behaviour

The Philippine duck is a shy and nervous bird that will fly off if approached. Outside the breeding season it can be seen in large flocks, but during the breeding season it is generally found only in pairs or small groups.

The Philippine duck is mainly active during early mornings, late afternoons and moonlit nights.

Feeding

The Philippine duck forages in shallow water for crustaceans, molluscs and plants. Fish and frogs are also eaten. It will also feed on crop plants, including rice, which is one reason for its former persecution by local farmers.

Breeding

The breeding season is a long one, namely from March to November, with July and August being the chief months for nesting and egg-laying.

The nest is constructed from reeds and grasses and concealed in thick vegetation. The clutch is usually of around eight to ten eggs, but can be as many as fifteen or sixteen. Incubation takes about 25 days.

Conservation

The Philippine duck has suffered from hunting, trapping and loss of habitat. Hunting became heavy in the 1960s, leading to a steep decline in overall numbers in the 1970s. This was coupled with reclamation of mangrove swamps and other wetlands for agriculture and fishing purposes.

Conservation measures in recent years have included the preservation and extension of natural wetland areas and the granting of protected status for the Philippine duck at five sites. The Philippines has banned gun ownership since 1972, but illegal hunting still continues.

Other measures have included conservation programmes at remote locations where populations can be bred in safety with a view to eventually re-introducing them in places where they have become extinct. One place where Philippine ducks can be seen, therefore, is the Slimbridge Wetland Centre in Gloucestershire, England, which is about as far from The Philippines as one can get!

© John Welford