Animalia Life
Marmaronetta angustirostris
SUBFAMILY
Anatinae
TAXONOMY
Anas angustirostris Mйnйtriйs, 1832, Lenkoran. Monotypic.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
English: Marbled duck; French: Sarcelle marbrйe; German:
Marmelente; Spanish: Cerceta Pardilla.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
15.4–18.9 in (39–48 cm); 1.0–1.3 lb (450–590 g). Plumage
mainly grayish brown with white marbling.
DISTRIBUTION
From southern Spain and northwestern Africa east to Pakistan;
winters south of breeding range to the northern Sahara and
east to northwestern India.
HABITAT
Heavily vegetated brackish marshes within arid regions.
BEHAVIOR
Not territorial, but male guards female until she finishes laying
eggs. Migratory.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Feeds on plant parts and aquatic invertebrates by dabbling,
upending, diving, mud-filtering, and wading on shore.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Seasonally monogamous. Breeding begins in Apr.–Jun., and
May–Jul. in northern Africa. Lays 7–14 eggs into a small concealed
depression on ground; incubation 25–27 days; becomes
sexually mature at 1 year.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Populations are declining due to hunting and wetland drainage.
Considered Vulnerable.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
Hunted for food.
Photo Gallery of - Marbled teal
