Mexican Duck

Identification

The Mexican duck is a medium-sized dabbling duck measuring 45–55 cm in length and weighing 849–1,243 g. The species is mainly brown in plumage, with a distinctive blue speculum (wing patch) edged with white that becomes particularly obvious in flight or when the bird is at rest. Males display a brighter yellow bill than females, providing a useful field mark for distinguishing the sexes. The male produces a nasal call, while females utter the familiar "quack" commonly associated with ducks.

Range & Habitat

The Mexican duck breeds in Mexico and the southwestern United States, with most of the population being resident year-round. However, some northern populations migrate south into Mexico during winter months. The species occurs widely but in limited numbers throughout Colorado in all seasons, with photographic records also documenting birds from Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Montana. Mexican ducks are highly adaptable and reside in almost all aquatic habitats, making them generalists in their habitat use.

Behaviour & Diet

These dabbling ducks primarily feed on various seeds and aquatic plants, typical of their foraging strategy. During breeding season, females lay two to ten eggs per clutch, with an incubation period of 26 days. The vocal differences between sexes—the male's nasal call contrasting with the female's loud quack—are important for species recognition and pair formation in natural conditions.

Best Time & Places to See It

Year-round residents can be found throughout most of the species' range in Mexico and the southwestern United States. Colorado offers reliable viewing opportunities in all seasons, while winter months may bring increased numbers as northern populations migrate south. The species' preference for diverse aquatic habitats means that wetlands, marshes, and water bodies throughout its range offer potential viewing opportunities. However, populations are currently undergoing decline, making sightings increasingly important to document.

Photography Tips

Photographers should look for the distinctive blue speculum edged with white, which is most visible when birds are in flight or when wings are partially raised. The sexual dimorphism in bill color provides an additional photographic detail worth capturing. Since Mexican ducks utilize almost all aquatic habitats, photographers should scout wetlands and water bodies across the southwestern region. Early morning light often enhances the visibility of plumage details and the bright yellow of males' bills, making this an ideal time for photography.