Yellow-billed Pintail
Anas georgica
Pato Piquidorado
Song
Yellow-billed Pintail
The Yellow-billed Pintail (Anas georgica). Read in Spanish
Appearance: The Yellow-billed Pintail is a medium-sized duck (61 cm - 24 in), with males and females exhibiting sexual dimorphism. The male has a distinctive yellow bill with black ridge, a dark brown head with a white stripe behind the eye, a brownish body with fine barring, and a gray tail. In contrast, the female has a mottled brown plumage with a whitish belly and a comparatively duller bill.
Habitat: This species typically inhabits freshwater wetlands, ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. They can also be found in agricultural fields and flooded grasslands. They are particularly prevalent along the country's coasts, including both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. At 100 to 3800 m altitude.
Breeding: During the breeding season, which occurs from September to December, the Yellow-billed Pintail forms pairs. They nest on the ground, constructing shallow depressions lined with vegetation near water bodies. The female lays a clutch of 6-10 eggs, which she incubates for about 25-26 days. After hatching, the ducklings are precocial, meaning they are relatively independent and able to feed themselves shortly after birth.
Conservation Status: The Yellow-billed Pintail is considered to be of Least Concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Distribution
The Yellow-billed Pintail (Anas georgica) is a species of duck that can be found across various regions in South America, including Colombia. Here is some information about the distribution of the Yellow-billed Pintail in Colombia:
- Geographic Range: The Yellow-billed Pintail has a broad distribution throughout Colombia, occupying both inland and coastal habitats. It is present in various regions across the country, including the lowlands, wetlands, mangroves, rivers, and certain high-altitude areas.
- Coastal Regions: Along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Colombia, the Yellow-billed Pintail can be observed in estuaries, lagoons, coastal wetlands, and marshes. These coastal habitats provide important breeding, foraging, and resting areas for this species.
- Central and Eastern Andes: The Yellow-billed Pintail is also found in the high-altitude regions of the Colombian Andes. Lakes, marshes, and wetlands in the central and eastern parts of the country, such as those found in the páramo ecosystems, provide suitable habitats for this species.
- Orinoco Region: The Yellow-billed Pintail extends its distribution into the eastern plains of Colombia, particularly within the Orinoco River basin. Here, it inhabits rivers, floodplains, oxbow lakes, and other wetland areas.
- Amazon Basin: In the southernmost parts of Colombia, the Yellow-billed Pintail can be found within the pristine rainforests of the Amazon Basin. These dense forests contain rivers, lakes, and oxbow lakes, which support populations of this duck species.
- Altitudinal Range: The Yellow-billed Pintail in Colombia is known to occur at various altitudes, ranging from sea level to around 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level. This adaptability to different altitudinal zones allows the bird to utilize a variety of habitats throughout the country.
The specific local variations in the distribution of Yellow-billed Pintails may exist within these general ranges. Conservation efforts and further research on their population size and distribution in Colombia are ongoing to ensure the long-term survival of this species.
Taxonomy
The Yellow-billed Pintail belongs to the following taxonomic classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Anseriformes (Waterfowl)
- Family: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, Swans)
- Genus: Anas (True Ducks)
- Species: Anas georgica
There are multiple subspecies of Yellow-billed Pintail recognized, with Anas georgica spinicauda specifically pertaining to the subspecies found in South America, including Colombia.
Vocalization
The Yellow-billed Pintail produces a variety of vocalizations, which serve different purposes during communication.
- Quacking: The most typical vocalization of the Yellow-billed Pintail is a series of short, rapid quacks. The quacks are often repeated several times in quick succession. This vocalization is commonly used for communication between individuals and may serve as a contact call or a general form of communication within the flock.
- Whistling: Occasionally, the Yellow-billed Pintail produces a high-pitched whistle. This whistle is typically short and sharp in tone and may be used during courtship displays or as a warning call to other individuals.
- Grunting: Another vocalization made by the Yellow-billed Pintail is a low, soft grunt. This sound is often used in close proximity to other individuals and may serve as a behavioral signal within the flock.
- Hissing: When the Yellow-billed Pintail feels threatened or agitated, it may emit a hissing sound. This hiss is a defensive vocalization used to deter potential predators or warn other individuals of a potential threat.
The vocalizations of birds can vary between individuals and populations, and there may be some regional variations in the vocal repertoire of the Yellow-billed Pintail.
