Bird
Bird
Masked Duck
Nomonyx dominicus
The Masked Duck is a small, extremely secretive diving duck of Trinidad's densely vegetated freshwater marshes, rarely seen in the open and far more often overlooked than any other waterfowl on the island.
The Masked Duck is a small, extremely secretive diving duck of Trinidad's densely vegetated freshwater marshes, rarely seen in the open and far more often overlooked than any other waterfowl on the island.
Identification
A small, compact duck around 30 to 36 cm long, with a stiff, often-cocked tail typical of the stifftail duck group. Breeding males are rich cinnamon-brown with a black face mask and a bright blue bill; females and non-breeding males are duller brown with dark facial stripes.
Behaviour
Almost always found in densely vegetated freshwater marshes with abundant floating and emergent plants, where it can disappear from view within seconds by diving or slipping into cover. It forages by diving for seeds and aquatic invertebrates, and its secretive habits make it one of the least frequently recorded waterfowl in Trinidad despite likely being more common than sightings suggest.
Status in T&T
Present in densely vegetated freshwater marshes across Trinidad, though rarely recorded due to its secretive habits. Not considered threatened. It is protected as native wildlife under the Conservation of Wildlife Act.
Threats
- Loss of densely vegetated freshwater marsh habitat
