Masked Duck

The Masked Duck is a small, secretive member of the stiff-tailed duck group, found in densely vegetated freshwater marshes from the southern United States (rarely) through the Caribbean and much of South America. Its skulking habits and preference for thick cover make it one of the least often observed waterfowl species across its range.

Breeding male body feathers are a rich cinnamon-chestnut densely covered in small black spots and fine vermiculations, quite different from the plainer tones of most dabbling ducks in the region. The male's face and crown feathers form a solid black mask. The tail is composed of stiff, pointed feathers typical of stiff-tailed ducks, usually held cocked above the waterline. Females and non-breeding males are duller buffy brown overall, with two dark horizontal stripes across an otherwise pale face rather than a solid mask.

Strong seasonal and sexual differences occur: breeding males show vivid cinnamon plumage with the black mask, while females and eclipse males are duller brown with the double facial stripe pattern. Eclipse males closely resemble females outside the breeding season.

Found in freshwater marshes with dense emergent vegetation across the southern United States (as a rare visitor), the Caribbean, and much of Central and South America. Rarely ventures into open water, staying close to heavy plant cover.

Forages by diving and dabbling among dense aquatic vegetation for seeds and small invertebrates. Extremely secretive, rarely flushing into the open and often overlooked even where locally present. Gives low, guttural calls infrequently. Nests are well hidden within thick marsh vegetation.