I am always astounded when I surf the net and stumble on pictures of duck species from around the world especially those in the norht hemisphere. I do not have and probably will not easily own a pait of them soon – for one because they are very rare and too expensive and number two because they will probably not do well in our hot South African climate. Over and above that, the import of live stock is not something I feel ready to take on as yet.
Below is a list of some of the most beautiful and rare ducks found all over the world. I will add to the list as I go so be patient. If you want to contribute let me know what you have and I will add it.
Mergansers: Here is info and pictures of the Common Merganser or Goosander as it is called in Europe (Mergus merganser) and here is more info of the Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus). This specie is found in South Africa but is not easily available. You will probably be able to buy them from some specialist breeders.
Male Hooded Merganser in full breeding colours
Lessor Scaup (Aythya affinis): There are 3 sub species – the Greater Scaup, the Lessor Scaup and the New Zealand Scaup. Here is info and pictures of the Scaup. I have seen a pair at a pet shop in April 2010. They are very scares and they were priced accordingly at this petshop. Around R4500 for the pair.
Smew (Mergellus albellus): Another beautful duck is the Smew. I have never seen these ducks in a collection in South Africa.
Baikal Teal (Anas Formosa): Here is one of favourite ducks. The Baikal Teal Some are bred in captivity in Europe but I have never seen one here in South Africa.
Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula): The Tufted duck is one that I still want to get for my collection. They are seen in South African collections but are not that common.
Tufted Duck
Blue Winged Teal (Anas discors): The Blue Winged Teal is also so beautiful and I would love to have a pair of them in my collection. I haven’t seen them yet but have heard of people who have them here in South Africa. The male has an eclipse plumage and only comes back into colour during breeding season.
Green Winged Teal (Anas Carolinensis): Another amazingly beautiful duck. The male has an eclipse plumage and only comes back into colour during breeding season. The Green Winged Teal is just absolutely beautiful!
Green Winged Teal Male in full breeding colours
Harlequin (Histrionicus histrionicus): A beautiful rare and expensive duck to have in your collection is the Harlequin Duck. Absolutely astoundingly beautiful!
Harlequin male
Soon to follow – a list of the species indigenous to South Africa.
As you can see I got my information from www.avianweb.com. My sincere thanks to them for a beautiful website with lots of information for waterfowl lovers. I hope that visitors to my site will find lots of interesting information.