Two speckled ducks with dark wings and white heads swim in muddy water, creating V-shaped ripples behind them.

Knob-billed Duck

You can see 3 knob-billed ducks on the flamingo lagoon near the entrance at Paignton Zoo.

Knob-billed DuckSarkidiornis melanotos

  • Class:

    Aves

  • Order:

    Anseriformes

  • Family:

    Anatidae

About the knob-billed duck

The knob-billed duck is a large, distinctive species recognised by the prominent black knob on the bill of adult males. It inhabits floodplains, lakes, and wetlands, feeding on aquatic vegetation and invertebrates.

Strong fliers and adaptable foragers, they are often seen in pairs or small flocks.

Conservation

The species is classified as Least Concern, although wetland loss and hunting in Africa and South Asia can affect regional populations.