Eastern Spot-billed Duck vs Mexican Duck

In short

The Eastern Spot-billed Duck and the Mexican Duck can be distinguished by their bill patterns and habitat preferences. The Eastern Spot-billed Duck has a distinctive yellow-tipped bill, while the Mexican Duck's bill is more uniformly colored. They also inhabit different regions, with the Eastern Spot-billed Duck found in East Asia and the Mexican Duck in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.

Identification tips

• Bill pattern: Look for the yellow-tipped bill on the Eastern Spot-billed Duck.
• Region: Consider the geographic location; Eastern Spot-billed Ducks are in East Asia, while Mexican Ducks are in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
• Plumage details: Check for the white-bordered speculum on the Eastern Spot-billed Duck, which is absent in the Mexican Duck.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized dabbling ducks.

Plumage

The Eastern Spot-billed Duck has a more contrasting plumage with a distinct white-bordered speculum and a yellow-tipped bill. The Mexican Duck resembles a female Mallard with a more uniform brown plumage and lacks the bright bill tip.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical dabbling duck behavior, foraging in shallow waters and often seen in pairs or small groups.

Habitat

The Eastern Spot-billed Duck is found in freshwater wetlands, lakes, and rivers in East Asia. The Mexican Duck prefers permanent rivers, large playa lakes, and irrigation developments in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a reliable differentiator in the field as both species have similar quacking calls typical of dabbling ducks.