Red-masked duck (SciiFii)

The red-masked duck (Cairina rubercephala) is a species of large duck that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, open woodlands, lakes, rivers, and ponds across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the red-masked duck is the wild muscovy duck (Cairina moschata). The male red-masked duck is about 76 centimeters (30 inches) long, and weighing up to 7 kg (15 lb). Females are considerably smaller, and only grow to 3 kilograms (6.6 lb), roughly half the males' size. The bird is predominantly covered in black feathers, which are iridescent and glossy in males, while the females are more drab. The bill can be dark yellow, black, or any mixture of these colors. It may have white patches or bars on the wings, which become more noticeable during flight. Both sexes have red wattles around the bill and above their eyes, hence their names, those of the male being larger and more brightly colored. This non-migratory species normally inhabits forested swamps, lakes, streams and nearby grassland and farm crops, and often roosts in trees at night. The red-masked duck's diet consists of plant material obtained by grazing or dabbling in shallow water, and small fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, insects, and millipedes. This is an aggressive duck towards its own species; males often fight over food, territory or mates. The females fight with each other less often. Some adults will peck at the ducklings if they are eating at the same food source. Despite this, the red-masked ducks are nonaggressive towards other species of waterfowls. The red-masked duck has benefited from nest boxes. This species does not form stable pairs. They will mate on land or in water and can breed up to three times each year. The female lays a clutch of 8–16 white eggs, usually in a tree hole or hollow, which are incubated for 35 days. The sitting hen will leave the nest once a day from 20 minutes to one and a half hours, and will then defecate, drink water, eat and sometimes bathe. Once the eggs begin to hatch, it may take 24 hours for all the chicks to break through their shells. When feral chicks are born, they usually stay with their mother for about 10–12 weeks. Their bodies cannot produce all the heat they need, especially in temperate regions, so they will stay close to the mother, especially at night. Often, the male will stay in close contact with the brood for several weeks. The male will walk with the young during their normal travels in search for food, providing protection. The conservation status of the red-masked duck is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the red-masked duck's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii