The Mexican duck is a species of dabbling duck that breeds in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Region
Mexico and the Southwestern United States
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the Mexican Plateau, extending into northern and western Mexico and locally into Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Prefers shallow freshwater habitats such as marshes, slow rivers, ponds, reservoirs, stock tanks, and irrigation canals, especially in arid and semi-arid landscapes. Frequently uses agricultural wetlands and flooded fields outside the breeding season. In drier regions it concentrates along riparian corridors and permanent water bodies. It is generally sedentary, with local movements in response to water availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Mexican duck is a mostly resident dabbling duck of Mexico and the U.S. Southwest, long treated as part of the mallard complex but now widely recognized as a distinct species. It closely resembles a female mallard, which makes identification tricky where they overlap. Hybridization with feral or wild mallards is a conservation concern in some areas.
A Male at El Charco de Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico
Temperament
wary and alert
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Pairs form in late winter to spring, and the species nests on the ground in dense vegetation near water. Females incubate and lead broods, while males often remain nearby early in the season. Outside breeding, birds gather in small to medium-sized flocks, especially on larger water bodies.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Females give a series of loud, coarse quacks reminiscent of a mallard but slightly lower and rougher. Males produce softer, nasal or grating notes and low whistles, especially during courtship.
