 | Psilos Wildfowl Photography |
Moccoa (Oxyura maccoa ) |
Related to the stifftail species of ducks
this bird has two populations in eastern and southern Africa with large
numbers being found on at Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha. Maccoas are
bottom feeders and so are found in shallow bodies of water and swamps
with fringing vegetation, usually about 1500ft. Their diet consists
mainly of small invertebrates, plant debris and seeds. Outside the breeding
season the birds are usually silent and rather shy but once breeding
begins the male becomes fiercly territorial. The bird in the photo is
a male. The female is very similar to other stifftail female species
such as ruddy and white headed duck. |
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This is the female. She is a very wary bird
and one that is difficult to get close to. |
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The photos below show the male in eclipse
plumage. He is recogniseable still by the blue in his bill. |
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