Eastern Spot-Billed Duck
Anas zonorhyncha
Also known as: Chinese Spot-Billed Duck
About This Species
This dabbling duck frequents rivers, lakes, and wetlands across East Asia, feeding by filtering plant matter and small invertebrates from shallow water and mud. It is usually seen in pairs or small groups rather than large rafts, and its subdued grey-brown plumage with a pale face is a useful identification feature against similar species. Wetland margins in early morning, when birds are actively feeding rather than resting, tend to give the best views.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Watch from the bank or a hide rather than wading in or approaching directly, since ducks with young are quick to abandon a feeding area if repeatedly pushed off the water.
- Waterfowl protection laws exist across its East Asian range but specific hunting and disturbance regulations vary by country, so check local rules before visiting a site rather than assuming one country's protections apply broadly.
- Give extra space to any female accompanied by ducklings.
LCAvesAnseriformesAnatidae
Seasonal Activity
283,354 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Anseriformes
- Family
- Anatidae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.