The Philippine duck is a large dabbling duck of the genus Anas. Its native name is papan or patong gubat which translates to "forest duck" in Filipinos. It is the only endemic duck in the Philippines but has been recorded as a vagrant in Taiwan and Japan. Its habitat in a wide variety of wetlands from mountain lakes, marshes, small pools, streams, rivers, salt pans and even coastal waters where it feeds on shrimp, fish, insects and plant matter. This species has declined considerably since the 1960s because of hunting and habitat loss and is now listed as a Vulnerable species.
Region
Philippine Archipelago
Typical Environment
Found across major Philippine islands wherever suitable wetlands occur, including lakes, marshes, rivers, rice paddies, and coastal lagoons. It uses both freshwater and brackish habitats and readily exploits man-made wetlands. Birds disperse locally with rainfall and water levels, concentrating where feeding is best. Vagrants have been recorded in Taiwan and Japan.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Philippine duck is the only duck species endemic to the Philippines and is a key indicator of wetland health. Locally known as papan or patong gubat (“forest duck”), it frequents freshwater and coastal wetlands and often feeds in rice fields. Its decline is driven by habitat loss, wetland conversion, and hunting, and it is currently listed as Vulnerable.
Philippine ducks in the Candaba Swamp
Temperament
wary and alert
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes forming larger groups where food is abundant. Nests are built on the ground in dense vegetation near water. Pairs are formed prior to breeding, and adults may defend nesting territories. Broods are attended by the female, with ducklings feeding themselves soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include soft quacks and low, nasal calls; males give whistled notes during displays. Flock contact calls are subdued, carrying over calm water at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Warm brown body with darker mottling and neatly edged feathers; pale grayish head with a contrasting dark crown and eye-stripe. In flight, a glossy green speculum is bordered by pale bars. Sexes are similar, with subtle differences in tone.
Diet
A flexible omnivore that dabbles for seeds, grains (including rice), and aquatic vegetation. It also takes aquatic invertebrates such as insects, mollusks, and crustaceans, and occasionally small fish and shrimp. Foraging is mostly by dabbling and upending in shallow water, and by gleaning along wet margins.
Preferred Environment
Shallow wetlands, flooded rice fields, marsh edges, and calm backwaters where emergent vegetation provides cover. It also feeds in brackish lagoons and mangrove-fringed estuaries.
