Mexican Duck vs Mottled Duck

In short

The Mexican Duck and Mottled Duck are both brown dabbling ducks, but they can be distinguished by subtle differences in plumage and habitat preferences. Mexican Ducks are generally found in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, while Mottled Ducks are more common in the southeastern U.S. and along the Gulf Coast.

Identification tips

• Location: Check the geographic range; Mexican Ducks are more likely in the southwest, while Mottled Ducks are in the southeast.
• Facial Pattern: Look for a more pronounced pale face and darker crown in Mottled Ducks.
• Speculum: Both have blue speculums with white borders, but this feature can be variable and is not always reliable.
• Habitat: Consider the habitat; Mexican Ducks are often near arid-region water sources, whereas Mottled Ducks are found in marshes and coastal areas.

Size

Both species are similar in size, resembling the Mallard but slightly smaller.

Plumage

Mexican Ducks have a more uniform brown body with a slightly darker head and a less distinct facial pattern compared to Mottled Ducks. Mottled Ducks often show a more pronounced pale face and a darker crown. Both species have blue speculums bordered by white, but this can be variable.

Behaviour

Both species are dabbling ducks and exhibit similar feeding behaviors, often seen tipping forward in shallow waters.

Habitat

Mexican Ducks are typically found in arid regions near permanent rivers and lakes in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Mottled Ducks prefer freshwater marshes and coastal wetlands in the southeastern U.S.

Voice

Vocalizations are similar and not a reliable field mark for distinguishing these species.