What kinds of ducks can you find in Eritrea?

Who doesn’t love ducks? Head to almost any water habitat, and you are likely to see at least a few swimming around.

The ducks featured below are the most common and likely to be observed in Eritrea. In reality, the complete list of ducks that can be seen is even larger!

2 DUCKS That Live in Eritrea:

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#1. Egyptian Goose

• Alopochen aegyptiaca

Identifying Characteristics:

• Adults are 63–73 cm (25–29 in) long.
• They have long pink legs and a pink bill. Their bodies are light brown with brown wings tipped in green and white. They have a dark brown patch over each eye.

Despite its confusing name, the Egyptian Goose is considered a type of duck in Eritrea!

Egyptian Geese are closely related to shelducks. They prefer meadows, agricultural fields, and grasslands near permanent bodies of water. Their standard meal is grass sprouts and grain, but they won’t say no to a small insect, frog, or worm. Their long, pink legs allow them to wade into relatively deep water for something to eat.

Although you may have trouble spotting this duck in its thickly vegetated habitat, you probably won’t have a hard time hearing it. Males of the species get loud and aggressive during their mating season, constantly making loud, obnoxious honking noises.

The name “Egyptian Goose” comes from the heavy, lumbering way it flies, which more closely resembles a goose than a duck. But whichever name they go by, this fascinating duck is one you should be sure to look for in Eritrea!

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#2. Garganey

• Spatula querquedula

Identifying Characteristics:

• Adults are about 41 cm (16 in) long.
• Males are gray with a brown chest and head, a dark crown, and large white curves over their eyes. Their mating call is a distinctive crackling honk.
• Females are brown with a dark eyeline and pale eyebrows. They’re quiet but occasionally manage a feeble quack.

The Garganey is a common duck in Eritrea during winter.

As a strict migratory species, the entire population moves north for summer and travels south to avoid cold weather. This is unusual among ducks since most species have at least some year-round residents.

Unlike diving ducks, Garganeys forage for their food just below the water’s surface, skimming aquatic plants and insects. They dip their bill into the water and shake their heads often, which makes them look like they’re washing their faces. 🙂

But their feeding style isn’t the only thing that’s a little quirky about the Garganey. When calling, the male makes an exaggerated nodding motion with his head and neck, then releases a shrill clicking noise that sounds like a bug! Finally, he shakes his tail feathers rapidly as if he’s dancing. It’s truly something to watch!

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Check out these guides to other animals found in Eritrea!

• 50 Types of Animals That Live in Eritrea!

• The 36 Types of Snakes That Live in Eritrea! (ID Guide)

• The 24 MOST Common SPIDERS Found in Eritrea!

• 13 COMMON Birds Found in Eritrea!

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Which of these ducks in Eritrea have you seen before?

Leave a comment below!