By Maryle Barbé, Nature Photographer – Florida Master Naturalist

The mottled duck is a distinctive, year-round resident of Florida, often referred to as the “Florida Duck.” It is the state’s largest duck species, characterized by its mottled brown and white plumage, with a tan-colored neck and head.

Males and females look nearly identical, though females have a paler bill. During the breeding season, their yellow legs turn a striking bright orange, making them easy to spot. One of their most notable features is the blue wing patch, known as the speculum, which is only visible when their wings are open.

Mottled ducks build their nests on the ground in dense vegetation near water. They produce one brood per year, with incubation lasting about 27 days. Once hatched, the ducklings take between 30 to 60 days to fledge. The female leads and teaches her young how to forage, with their diet consisting of insects, grass seeds, stems, roots, and duckweed.

This unique species plays an important role in Florida’s wetland ecosystems, making it a fascinating bird to observe in the wild.