Philippine Duck
The Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica) is the country’s only endemic duck. It is a medium-sized dabbling or surface-feeding bird. It frequents most freshwater marshes, shallow lakes, open sea and rice fields. It forages in shallow water for shrimp, fish, insects, and vegetation.
With its rusty-cinnamon head and bluish-grey bill, the Philippine duck is a rather distinctive bird. Its body and legs are grayish-brown. Blackish crown, nape and eye-stripe. When in flight, a well-defined patch of glossy green on the wing can be clearly seen, which is bordered with black and white on the top side, and a white underside. The sexes look the same, and juveniles are slightly paler than adults.
The Philippine duck, as with other wildlife, is protected by Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. RA 9147 promotes ecological balance and enhances biodiversity by conserving and protecting wildlife species and their habitats. To date, two areas have been declared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as critical habitats of this bird: a 27-hectare wetland area in Cabusao, Camarines Sur, and the 178-hectare Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Cabagan, Isabela.
This remarkable duck has also been reportedly sighted in other areas such as Caylabne Bay in Cavite; Subic Bay, Zambales, Maria Aurora Memorial Natural Park in Aurora; Mt. Iglit Baco and Naujan Lake in Mindoro Island; and Candaba Marsh in Pampanga.
It is classified as “vulnerable” under the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). There are 5,000 or fewer Philippine ducks alive today and its population is on a continuing decline. Over-hunting and habitat loss has contributed to its decline. If we neglect protecting the species, the Philippine duck could disappear in the blink of an eye.
It is beautiful and I had no idea that we have that in the Philippines. The colors are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen those before, they are beautiful. There's a similar duck here that's called Mallard ducks, the difference is the beeks are green not blue.
ReplyDeleteI like the color of the bill because it makes the duck look more exotic. The pattern on its wings look so intricate.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! and that patch of colour when they spread their wings is so breathtaking. I hope our government can protect them, I still want the new generations to be able to see and enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful species and should be preserved by the government for future use. Students must be aware of this and learn how to breed these species.
ReplyDeleteI hope they would not take the "vulnerable" classification for granted. One day, our grandchildren might ask what a Philippine duck is?
ReplyDeleteNice to see this in the wild. I saw some of this in our farm at Davao Oriental. I think they are in the care of the DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES-Wildlife Management Units.
ReplyDeleteIt is just now upon reading your post that I saw how beautiful the Philippine duck is.
ReplyDeleteThey're so pretty; it's sad they're classified as "vulnerable". I hope that not only the government but also the industrial sector will acknowledge their habitats and not try to commercialize it as they have everything else.
ReplyDeleteThe Philippine Duck looks really beautiful. I hope this pushes more environment and natural conservation effort to save them.
ReplyDeleteI've visited Candaba and yes there are many ducks in the wetland and birds also flocked in the area.
ReplyDeleteIf we neglect protecting the species, the Philippine duck could disappear in the blink of an eye. duck hunting guide Missouri
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