ExploreBirds

Knob-billed Duck

Sarkidiornis melanotos

The Knob-billed Duck is a unique bird with a big, funny knob on its bill! It loves to swim in lakes and rivers, and its beautiful feathers can be black and white.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Knob-billed Duck has an iridescent black back and head, contrasting with a clean white belly and grey flanks. Males feature a large, prominent black knob atop their bill, which is noticeably larger during the breeding season. Its large size and unique bill knob make it easily identifiable among other waterfowl.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusSarkidiornis
Knob-billed Duck
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Knob-billed Duck

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Males develop a dramatic, oversized knob on their bill when it's time to find a partner!

Sometimes, multiple female Knob-billed Ducks will share one giant nest for their eggs!

Their feathers shimmer with beautiful green and purple colors in the bright sunlight.

These ducks often lay their eggs in tree hollows, a very unusual nesting spot for ducks.

Special abilities

Ability

Water Wizardry

Knob-billed Ducks can dive deep underwater to find food because of their strong, webbed feet that help them propel through the water.

Ability

Magnet Mouth

The male Knob-billed Duck has a prominent fleshy knob on its bill that grows larger in breeding season, which helps attract a mate.

Ability

High-Flying Power

Knob-billed Ducks possess strong wings and streamlined bodies that enable powerful, swift flight, helping them travel between wetland habitats.

Measurements & details

Length
56-76 cm
Wingspan
105-145 cm
Weight
1.2-2.9 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
7-15
Incubation
28-30 days

Diet & Feeding

They eat mostly plants, seeds, and aquatic insects found in wetland areas.

Primary Foods

  • aquatic plants
  • seeds
  • grasses
  • insect larvae
  • small fish
  • mollusks

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Nile Crocodile

Crocodylus niloticus

Large crocodiles sometimes prey on adult ducks or ducklings.

eaten by

African Fish Eagle

Haliaeetus vocifer

Fish eagles are powerful raptors that hunt ducks.

eats

Egyptian White Waterlily

Nymphaea lotus

Ducks consume seeds and parts of this common water plant.

eats

Rice

Oryza sativa

Found feeding on rice grains and sprouts in paddies.

Traits

Also known as

African Knob-billed Duck

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch ducks from a distance and do not feed them bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Knob-billed Duck?

56-76 cm

What is Knob-billed Duck's wingspan?

105-145 cm

How much does Knob-billed Duck weigh?

1.2-2.9 kg

How long does Knob-billed Duck live?

5-10 years

How fast can Knob-billed Duck move?

60 km/h

What does Knob-billed Duck eat?

They eat mostly plants, seeds, and aquatic insects found in wetland areas.

Where is Knob-billed Duck usually found?

Wetlands

How does Knob-billed Duck hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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