Monday, March 25, 2013

Ducks & Other Waterfowls (Phylum Chordata: Order Anseriformes) of Singapore

Waterfowls (phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, superclass Tetrapoda, class Aves, order Anseriformes) are birds that have adapted to swimming, and they mostly have a relatively broad bill, long neck, large body, short legs and webbed feet. They include the ducks, geese and swans, some of which are domesticated for human consumption.

Some of the waterfowls that have been recorded from Singapore include:

Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica)
The Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica) is an uncommon resident waterfowl, though it can be easily seen at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Growing to about 40cm long, it has obvious yellow eye rings, a mostly brownish plumage, and a reddish brown rump. It is found near water bodies, feeding on aquatic plants, insects and small aquatic animals.

Wandering Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata)
The Wandering Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata) is an introduced species which unfortunately has started breeding in Singapore. It is quite similar to the previous species, but lacks the yellow eye rings and red rump. In addition, it has a darker stripe on its crown, and dark spots on its breast. It is also bigger, growing to about 55cm long. This duck feeds on grasses, aquatic plants, insects and small aquatic animals.

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
The Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) is a rare winter visitor. The above could be a non-breeding male (i.e. male eclipse) or juvenile male, which appears much like the female but has a more rufous belly and darker markings on the back. The breeding male will have a green and white plumage. This species is most easily recognised by its bill, which is broader and rounded towards the tip. It grows to about 50cm long, and feeds on aquatic plants and small aquatic animals. The above photo was taken in Hong Kong.

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
The Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) has a relatively slimmer bill compared with the previous species. It is a very rare winter visitor. Both male and female ducks have a pointed tail, but the male's tail is much longer. It can reach lengths of more than 65cm, and feeds on grass, aquatic plants and small invertebrates. The above photo was taken in Hong Kong.

Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope)
The Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) is a very rare vagrant that feeds on aquatic plants and invertebrates. It grows to more than 45cm long. The male has a chestnut-coloured head with a whitish stripe on the crown, a light brown breast and greyish back and sides. The female is all brownish. The above photo was taken in England.

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
The Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) is a very rare vagrant. The male is black with white flanks, with a tuft of feathers on its head. The female is all brownish. This duck species can attain lengths of about 50cm, and feeds on aquatic plants and invertebrates. The above photo was taken in London.

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus)
The Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is an introduced species that is breeding in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Like other swans, it has a very long neck, but is all black with a red bill. This huge waterfowl can grow to over 120cm long, and feeds mostly on aquatic plants. It is native to Australia and New Zealand.

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) is another introduced species that can be found in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This white swan can grow to over 150cm long, and feeds mostly on aquatic plants. It is native to Europe and north central Asia.



References
  • Ivory, A. 2002. Cygnus olor. Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved Mar 25, 2013, http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Cygnus_olor/.
  • Briffett, C. 1986. A guide to the common birds of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre. 160 pp.
  • Olliver, N. 2010. Black Swan. Nzbirds.com.  Retrieved Mar 25, 2013, http://www.nzbirds.com/birds/blackswan.html.
  • Robson, C. 2010. New Holland field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: New Holland Publishers. 304 pp.
  • Singapore Birds. Retrieved Mar 25, 2013, http://singaporebirds.blogspot.sg
  • Strange, M. 2000. Photographic guide to the birds of Southeast Asia. Singapore: Periplus. 398 pp.

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