African Comb Duck

Habitat

The comb duck has a wide distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, South and Central America, as well as Asia. Comb ducks live in swamps, rivers and lakes that are found in open or slightly wooded areas. They can also be found in lowland pastures and rice paddies.

Behaviour

Comb ducks are usually found in single pairs but sometimes will flock together in small groups called harems during the breeding season.

Breeding

They nest near to water, and their breeding season is variable but tends to coincide with the rainy season. Up to 20 eggs are laid and incubated exclusively by the female, and will hatch after a month.

Threats

Habitat destruction is a threat for these birds, and in South America they suffer from poisoning as they are considered a crop pest alongside other foraging wildfowl.