The Indian spot-billed duck is a species of large dabbling duck that is a non-migratory breeding duck throughout freshwater wetlands in the Indian subcontinent. The name is derived from the red spot at the base of the bill that is found in the mainland Indian population. When in water it can be recognized from a long distance by the white tertials that form a stripe on the side, and in flight it is distinguished by the green speculum with a broad white band at the base. This species and the eastern spot-billed duck were formerly considered conspecific, together called the spot-billed duck.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Widespread across the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and parts of Myanmar. Occupies freshwater wetlands such as lakes, marshes, village ponds, reservoirs, and slow-flowing rivers. It readily uses agricultural landscapes, especially rice fields and irrigation tanks, and is common in peri-urban waterbodies. Prefers shallow, gently sloping shorelines with emergent vegetation for cover. Avoids very fast-flowing water and extensive open seas.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A familiar dabbling duck of the Indian subcontinent, it is easily recognized by the yellow-tipped bill with a red spot at the base (in mainland birds) and a gleaming green speculum bordered with white. It often occurs in pairs or small groups on quiet wetlands, where the white tertials form a bold stripe when at rest on the water. Females give loud quacks reminiscent of a Mallard, while males are quieter with wheezy notes. It adapts well to human-altered habitats such as rice paddies and village tanks.
Characteristic green speculum with white base and white tertials
Male with red spot at the base of bill
A pair of Indian spot-billed duck at Kaziranga National Park
Temperament
alert but tolerant near humans
Flight Pattern
strong and direct with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes forming larger groups at rich feeding sites. Nests on the ground close to water, concealed in grasses or scrub. Pairs form in the dry season, and both sexes guard the brood, with females leading ducklings to cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Females give loud, repetitive quacks similar to a Mallard hen. Males produce softer, wheezy whistles and grunts, especially during display. Flight calls are sharp and carry over open water.
Plumage
Mottled brown body with paler fringes, clean white tertials forming a bold flank stripe, and glossy green speculum broadly bordered with white. Head is grayish with a darker crown and eye-stripe.
Diet
A typical dabbling omnivore that takes aquatic plants, seeds, grains (including spilled rice), and algae. Also consumes aquatic invertebrates such as insects, snails, and small crustaceans, especially in the breeding season. Feeds by dabbling, upending, and occasionally grazing along shorelines.
Preferred Environment
Shallow margins of lakes, ponds, marshes, and rice paddies where it can reach submerged vegetation. Often forages in flooded fields and along vegetated edges that provide cover.
