Spot-billed Ducks, Mannar, Sri Lanka

Rare Indian Spot-billed Ducks launching into air, Mannar

I was on a two night 3 day birding tour in Mannar with Ajith Ratanayake from Palmyrah House in Mannar. We were driving along the Mannar Penneryn road which has both freshwater and estuarine wetland habitats next to the road. Ajith spotted this pair of Spot-billed Ducks in water beside the road. The previous day, on the mainland, near Thalladi Army camp in a wetland I had seen a pair which had taken off. Anticipating this pair may be shy I was ready with the camera when we turned back and went to take pictures. As we drove back and slowed down, the pair took off. I was struck by how shy they were.

Mannar remains the best place to see this rare bird in Sri Lanka. For a long time it was believed to be a rare migrant to the wetlands in the Mannar area and the Jaffna Peninsula. But more recently it has been found to breed as well.

The sexes are similar, but the male has a larger red loral patch. The male is about to take off and the female is already airborne in this picture.