What is yellow billed ducks?

Yellow-billed ducks are a species of dabbling duck found mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa. They are medium-sized ducks measuring about 50-60 cm in length and weighing around 1 kg. These ducks have distinctive yellow bills, hence the name, and yellow eye rings. The males have a dark grey head and neck with a brown body, while the females are darker brown with a lighter brown head.

Yellow-billed ducks are primarily found in wetlands, swamps, and marshes, but are also seen in rivers and dams. They feed on aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and small invertebrates, which they pick from the surface of the water or by dabbling in shallow water. They are usually seen in pairs or small groups, but may also gather in larger flocks during the non-breeding season.

Breeding season for yellow-billed ducks varies between regions, with some breeding all year round and others only breeding during the rainy season. They build their nests in dense vegetation near water bodies and lay around 8-12 eggs in each clutch.

Yellow-billed ducks are not considered endangered, but face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. They are also susceptible to avian influenza, which can cause mass mortality. Conservation efforts are being put in place to protect their habitats and manage their populations.