Rosybill

Netta peposaca

A Rosybill drake
Photo courtesy of Rupert Stephenson

The Rosybill is a common duck on the freshwater lakes and marshes of temperate South America. Although in the Pochard group, it behaves more like a dabbling duck. The males are very obvious, with their glossy blackish upper parts, lite grey sides and bright red bill with a swollen knob at the base. The females are dull brown with blue-grey bills.

Nests are hidden near the water's edge or built in emergent vegetation. A typical clutch consists of 10 eggs and incubation is 25-26 days.

They are hardy and tame easily in captivity.