Ferruginous Duck
Scientific Name: Aythya nyrocaMaltese Name: Brajmla Hamra / Brajmla t'Ghajnha Bajda
Family: Ducks (Anatidae)
Occurence: Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The male ferruginous duck is an elegent, rusty coloured, diving duck with a bright white eye. When it flies, this duck reveals a white belly, a broad, white wing bar and white underwing panel. This duck feeds by diving underwater to find seeds and plant matter. It breeds in marshy fringes of lowland lakes with plenty of vegetation, building its nest in the reeds. The Ferruginous Duck has declined in recent years, mostly due to the drainage or pollution of shallow lakes and marshes.
Status:
Scarce migratory bird.
When to See:
Seen in relativley large numbers in spring, February/March, as hundreds are seen migrating in flocks out at sea. Few birds are recorded at the reserves from September till March and also in summer months.
Where to See:
During spring migration best seen crossing the Comino channel from Cirkewwa or Qammiegh. Simar and Ghadira Nature Reserves are good places to observe this species resting in its natural habitat.
Photographs:
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Male Ferruginous Duck, Simar Nature Reserve |
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| Female Ferruginous Duck, Simar Nature Reserve | Male Ferruginous Duck, Simar Nature Reserve |
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Female Ferruginous Duck, Simar Nature Reserve |
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