description Comb Duck Overview
The comb duck is a large waterfowl species found in tropical parts of Africa and the Americas, depending on the taxonomic treatment used for the name. It is associated with the genus Sarkidiornis and is distinguished by the fleshy comb or knob on the bill of the adult male. Comb ducks use wetlands and open water, and their size, broad bill, and elevated bill structure separate them from many other tropical ducks.
help Comb Duck FAQ
Is the Comb Duck the same bird as the Knob-billed Duck?
The names have been used interchangeably in older references, but many modern taxonomies separate them. In that treatment, Comb Duck is Sarkidiornis sylvicola from South America, while Knob-billed Duck is Sarkidiornis melanotos from Africa and South Asia, as summarized by [the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/taxonomic-tree/2947891).
Where does Comb Duck live?
Sarkidiornis sylvicola inhabits tropical wetlands in continental South America, including parts of Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. It may also appear as a vagrant on Trinidad.
Why does the male Comb Duck have a bill knob?
The fleshy comb or knob sits at the base of the adult male's bill and becomes more conspicuous during breeding. Females are smaller and lack the same large knob, making sex identification easier in a close view.
What does Comb Duck eat and where does it nest?
It feeds on aquatic vegetation, grasses, seeds, and some aquatic or terrestrial invertebrates. Sarkidiornis ducks are also associated with tree-hole nesting near water, so a wetland with mature trees can be more useful than an open pond alone.
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