Hartlaub's duck is a dark chestnut-coloured duck of African forests. Formerly included in the paraphyletic "perching duck" assemblage, it was later moved to the dabbling duck assemblage. However, it is fairly distinct from the "typical" dabbling ducks, and is placed in the monotypic genus Pteronetta. It is named after the German naturalist Gustav Hartlaub.
Region
West and Central African rainforests (Congo Basin and Upper Guinea forests)
Typical Environment
This species inhabits lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, favoring shaded, slow-flowing rivers, forest streams, oxbow lakes, and swampy backwaters. It avoids large open waterbodies, keeping close to dense riparian cover where it can slip away unnoticed. Birds often roost on overhanging branches and use fallen logs along secluded banks. It occurs from West Africa east through the Congo Basin and into parts of western Uganda and northwestern Angola, with local patchiness depending on intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Hartlaub's duck is a secretive forest duck of West and Central Africa and the sole member of the genus Pteronetta. Once grouped with “perching ducks,” it is now considered a distinctive dabbling duck that often perches in trees and frequents shaded forest streams. It typically occurs in pairs or small family groups and is most active at dawn and dusk. The species is named after the German naturalist Gustav Hartlaub.
Hartlaub's duck swimming
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and often maintains territories along quiet forest streams. Likely monogamous with strong pair bonds, and it perches readily on branches over water. Nests are placed in concealed sites near water; tree cavities or dense vegetation are used where available.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and unobtrusive, consisting of low whistles and gruff notes, especially as contact calls between mates. Males give thin, breathy whistles during display, while both sexes may utter quiet grunts when alarmed.
Plumage
Mostly dark chestnut body with darker, almost blackish upperparts; wings show a subdued greenish iridescent speculum with pale edging. Plumage is smooth and uniformly dark, aiding camouflage in shadowed forest waterways.
Diet
Feeds on aquatic invertebrates such as insects, snails, and small crustaceans, along with seeds, fruits, and other plant matter. It dab-bles at the water’s surface and probes among leaf litter and submerged vegetation along the margins. Fallen fruits from forest trees can be taken opportunistically. Its diet shifts with seasonal availability of invertebrates and plant foods.
Preferred Environment
Forages along shaded stream edges, backwaters, and swampy channels beneath a closed forest canopy. Uses overhanging branches and log jams as cover, emerging into small openings to feed.
