Mottled duck

The Mottled duck (Anas fulvigula) belongs to the order Anseriformes and the family Anatidae. While primarily known for its role in aquatic ecosystems, in agricultural regions, particularly where rice cultivation is prominent, it acts as a pest causing economic losses by damaging newly sown crops.

The primary crop affected by this species is rice. The birds target the fields during the critical germination and seedling emergence stages. By feeding on exposed seeds and young shoots, they drastically reduce plant stand density, often necessitating costly re-seeding operations for farmers.

Biologically, the Mottled duck is a sedentary species with a strong affinity for wetland habitats. Their feeding cycle often coincides with the agricultural calendar of rice growth. After the breeding season, family groups aggregate in flooded fields, exploiting the abundant energy sources provided by cereal grains.

The damage caused is characterized by patchy destruction of rows and thinning of the crop canopy. Beyond direct consumption, the physical presence of the ducks leads to soil compaction and potential damage to levees and water control structures within the fields, hindering proper irrigation management.

Effective management strategies include:

• Deploying propane cannons and acoustic deterrents to scare birds away from fields.
• Using visual scarers like raptor silhouettes or reflective streamers.
• Applying bird-repellent seed treatments that affect the taste or smell for waterfowl.
• Maintaining optimal water levels during the seedling stage to make seeds inaccessible.
• Implementing regular field patrols during peak migration or feeding hours.