White-cheeked pintail

White-cheeked pintails are easily identified by their white cheeks and throat, contrasted with a reddish patch at the base of a grayish-blue bill. Their bodies are light brown with dark spots on the chest and belly. When in flight or stretching, a bright green patch (called a speculum) is visible on the wings. Males and females look similar, though females are generally duller in color.

These medium-sized ducks have bodies that measure between 15-20 inches (38-51 centimeters), with wingspans stretching 21 to 26 inches (55 to 68 centimeters) in length. Adults weigh between 0.87-1.5 pounds (440-650 grams). Females are slightly larger than males. 

They inhabit tropical and subtropical areas of the Caribbean, northern South America, the Galápagos and occasionally Florida. They are most commonly found in small flocks in saltwater environments like swamps, marshes, lagoons and mangrove forests.

Lifespan data in the wild is not well documented.

These ducks are relatively quiet, especially when compared to other members of the duck family. Males make a low, whistle-like call, and the females produce a simple quack. Both sexes may grunt when startled or alarmed. 

White-cheeked pintails are dabbling ducks, meaning they forage for food at or near the water’s surface. They primarily feed on aquatic plants, seeds, algae and grasses, occasionally dunking their bodies underwater to reach submerged vegetation. When available, these ducks will also eat small aquatic animals, like the pupae and larvae of invertebrates.

These ducks are diurnal, meaning they are mostly active in the daytime. 

They are usually seen in flocks of about 10-12 individuals. However, during the breeding season or places where food is plentiful, these flocks can grow up to several hundred individuals.  

Breeding occurs year-round but is most common in the late winter or early spring. These ducks form monogamous pairs for each breeding season.  Females show interest in a mate by purring or whining as well as by stiffening and moving their necks, and the males will respond by showing the backs of their necks.  

Nests are usually built near slow-moving water and concealed among grassy thickets and dense vegetation. Their nests are made from shallow ground depressions, or scrapes, which are filled with leaves, grasses and discarded downy feathers. Females lay five to 12 smooth, buff-colored eggs per clutch. The eggs hatch after about 26 days of incubation. Ducklings are precocial, meaning they can walk, swim and feed themselves just a few hours after hatching. Females care for their ducklings, while males typically do not. 

Although considered common, the global population of white-cheeked pintails is declining. They are protected under various conservation laws throughout their range. Human hunting, habitat loss, and predation from natural predators are the largest threats to their survival.