Mottled Duck - South Padre Island, TX

A Mottled Duck rests quietly on the water at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, blending perfectly with the coastal wetlands of Texas. This species (Anas fulvigula) is closely related to the Mallard but lives year-round along the Gulf Coast and in Florida. Mottled Ducks prefer marshes, ponds, and estuaries where they feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. A fun fact about this duck is that it is non-migratory, meaning most individuals stay in the same region all year rather than traveling long distances. Another interesting detail is that male Mottled Ducks look very similar to a female Mallard, which can make identification tricky for new birders. Their rich brown feather pattern provides natural camouflage, helping them blend into marsh vegetation and shallow wetlands. Sightings like this highlight how important South Padre Island’s wetlands are for resident waterfowl and other coastal birds.