White-cheeked Pintail
Anas bahamensis
Pato Cariblanco
Song
White-cheeked Pintail
The White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis). Read in Spanish
Appearance: The White-cheeked Pintail is a medium-sized duck (43 cm - 17 in) with a distinctive appearance. It has a reddish-brown head, white cheeks, a dark brown back, and a grayish-blue bill. Males and females have similar plumage, although males may have more vibrant colors during the breeding season. Juveniles are generally duller in coloration.
Habitat: The White-cheeked Pintail inhabits a range of wetland habitats, including freshwater marshes, lagoons, mangroves, estuaries, and coastal areas. It can be found along both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, as well as in inland wetlands. Found up to 2600 m altitude.
Behavior: White-cheeked Pintails are primarily dabbling ducks, meaning they feed by tipping their heads underwater and foraging on aquatic vegetation, seeds, and invertebrates. They are usually seen in small groups or pairs and are known for their relatively tame behavior, occasionally allowing close approaches by observers.
Breeding: The breeding season for White-cheeked Pintails varies geographically but generally occurs between April and July. They make nests in grassy areas near water, constructing a depression lined with vegetation. The female typically lays around 6 to 8 eggs and incubates them for about 25 to 28 days. Once hatched, the ducklings are precocial, capable of swimming and feeding independently shortly after birth.
Conservation Status in Colombia: The White-cheeked Pintail is considered fairly common and is not currently listed as a near threatened species of lesser concern.
Distribution
The White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis) is distributed across various regions of Colombia. While it is more commonly associated with coastal areas, it can also be found in some inland wetlands. Here is an overview of its distribution in Colombia:
- Caribbean Coast: The White-cheeked Pintail is present along the Caribbean coast of Colombia, including regions such as La Guajira, Magdalena, Atlántico, Bolívar, and Sucre. It can be found in coastal lagoons, estuaries, and wetlands, often in proximity to mangroves.
- Pacific Coast: This duck is also observed along the Pacific coast of Colombia, including areas such as Chocó and Valle del Cauca. It inhabits coastal wetlands, lagoons, and estuaries in this region.
- Inland Wetlands: While the White-cheeked Pintail is more commonly associated with coastal areas, it can be found in some inland wetland habitats in Colombia. These include freshwater marshes, ponds, and lagoons scattered across the country, where suitable conditions for this species are present.
The distribution of birds can be dynamic and subject to seasonal and ecological changes. White-cheeked Pintails may modify their distribution in response to factors such as food availability, water conditions, and breeding requirements.
Taxonomy
The White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis) belongs to the taxonomic
- Kingdom: Animalia,
- Phylum: Chordata,
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes,
- Family: Anatidae
- Genus: Anas
- Species: Anas bahamensis
Taxonomically, the genus Anas encompasses various species of dabbling ducks, which are characterized by their feeding behavior of tipping their heads underwater to forage.
The specific epithet "bahamensis" is derived from the Bahamas, where the species was first described. However, the White-cheeked Pintail is not limited to the Bahamas and has a broader distribution across the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America, including Colombia.
Vocalization
The White-cheeked Pintail, like most ducks, produces a variety of vocalizations for communication purposes. Here are some common vocalizations associated with the White-cheeked Pintail:
- Quack: The most recognizable vocalization of the White-cheeked Pintail is the classic "quack" sound commonly associated with ducks. The male pintails typically have a lower-pitched and softer quack, while the female's quack is usually higher-pitched and louder.
- Whistle: The male White-cheeked Pintail often produces a melodious, high-pitched whistle, which can be described as a series of clear, descending notes. This vocalization is usually a part of courtship and territorial displays.
- Chattering: During interactions or when the duck is agitated, the White-cheeked Pintail may emit a series of rapid, chattering or chittering sounds. These sounds are usually short and rapid in succession.
- Grunting: When the White-cheeked Pintail is startled or alarmed, it may emit a series of deep, guttural grunting sounds. These grunts are typically brief and distinct.
- Whining: Young or fledgling White-cheeked Pintails may produce a soft, high-pitched whining sound when communicating with their parents or siblings.
While these vocalizations are typical for the White-cheeked Pintail, there may be regional or individual variations in the sounds produced.
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