description Masked Duck Overview
Masked Duck (Nomonyx dominicus) is a small stiff-tailed duck of the Americas. It occupies freshwater wetlands, ponds, and lakes with marsh vegetation, and its range extends from Mexico and the Caribbean through Central and South America to Argentina. A breeding male has a reddish body, black facial mask, and blue bill; females and nonbreeding males have brown facial striping.
help Masked Duck FAQ
Where does the Masked Duck live?
The Masked Duck, Nomonyx dominicus, occupies tropical wetlands from Mexico and the Caribbean through Central and South America to Argentina. It also reaches southern Texas and Florida periodically. [Audubon](https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/masked-duck)
What does a breeding male Masked Duck look like?
A breeding male has a reddish body and a dark or black face, while the female has a buffy face with two strong dark stripes. The species is a small stiff-tailed duck rather than a typical dabbling duck. [Audubon](https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/masked-duck)
What wetlands does the Masked Duck prefer?
It favours freshwater ponds, lakes, marshes, and wetlands with dense vegetation. The bird often stays low in the water and can be difficult to spot among reeds and aquatic plants.
What is unusual about the Masked Duck's courtship display?
The male may raise his tail, lower his bill to his chest, make soft calls, and rush briefly across the water. Those movements are part of a display associated with its stiff-tailed duck behaviour. [Audubon](https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/masked-duck)
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