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Laysan Duck

Anas laysanensis Order: ANSERIFORMESFamily: Geese and Ducks (Anatidae)

Laysan Duck Portrait
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General

Laysan Duck: Teal-sized duck, endemic to the Hawaiian islands. Brown with patch of white feathers around eye, green-glossed head and neck with variable white feathers that may increase with age. Speculum may appear green, purple, or blue. Dark gray bill with variable black markings and dull orange feet and legs. Sexes similar, females show more white on chin, lack green gloss and has a pale brown bill with black blotches. Underparts more buff-colored. Juveniles appear darker brown and lack white eyering and white feathers on head and neck.

Range and Habitat

Laysan Duck: Endemic to Laysan Island, they prefer land and mud flats but do spend time in shallow water. They were once near extinction but the population is now stable at roughly 600 birds. About 100 birds have been introduced to Midway Atoll in hopes of establishing a new colony.

Voice Text

"kwek-kwek-kwek"

Interesting Facts

  • A group of ducks has many collective nouns, including a "brace", "flush", "paddling", "raft", and "team" of ducks.
  • The Laysan Duck is sometimes called the Laysan Teal due to its small size.
  • In 1912 the population consisted of 7 adults and 5 juveniles on Laysan Island. Today there are around 650 individuals.
  • 42 ducks were relocated to Midway Atoll in 2004 and 2005 in an effort to have a second population in the wild. There are now over 100 ducks living there.


Author

Crystal Adams

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Range Map for Laysan Duck
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Bird Call Credits: The Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Martyn Stewart, http://www.naturesound.org, Redmond, Washington USA. The reuse or copying of bird calls in this database is strictly forbidden.
Family
Species Anas laysanensis
Length15 - 17 Inches
Wingspan Inches

Laysan Duck

Laysan Duck: Also called Laysan Teal and endemic to Laysan Island, is brown with patches of white feathers around eye, green-glossed head and neck with variable white feathers. Speculum may appear green, purple, or blue. Dark gray bill with variable black markings. Dull orange legs and feet.

● Song: "kwek-kwek-kwek"

● Foraging & Feeding:

● Breeding & nesting: Laysan Duck: Four to six pale buff to pale green eggs are laid in a shallow scrape lined with dead grass on the ground that is hidden in vegetation. Incubated by female for 28 days.

● Similar species: Laysan Duck: Not likely to be confused with any other species in its range.

Flight Pattern

Direct
Laysan Duck Body Illustration
● Range & Habitat: Laysan Duck: Endemic to Laysan Island, they prefer land and mud flats but do spend time in shallow water. They were once near extinction but the population is now stable at roughly 600 birds. About 100 birds have been introduced to Midway Atoll in hopes of establishing a new colony.
BreedingMonogamous
PopulationEndangered
MigrationNonmigratory
Weight15.8 Ounces