Comb Duck - Birdpoints

Comb Duck

Sarkidiornis melanotos

11 August 2008

Possible regional races (polytypic)
	-S. m. melanotos; Pennant, 1769

Sarkidiornis melanotos melanotos

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Historical
This Goose is very common in Central and Western India, less so in the extreme south, and is very rare in Lower Bengal. It is generally seen in small parties from four to ten, but occasionally in flocks of above hundred: it chiefly frequents grassy tanks, and is not infrequently seen in paddy fields. During the rains, it wanders about a good deal, and may often be seen feeding in very small tanks, or even in temporary pools of water. It breeds in this country in July or August.

Jerdon, T.C. 1862. The Birds Of India. Vol I, II & III.

Interesting remarks by Mr. A. Anderson. He says:
• These Ducks, according to my experience, nest almost exclusively on trees
• Although the Nuktas (Comb Ducks - Ed) nest by preference in trees, I have known their doing so in holes of old ruined forts; as a general rule, they select localities in close proximity to water
• I was present, however, at the capture of a female Nukta on her nest, which yielded the extraordinary number of forty eggs! (Dump nesting: Several females laying eggs in the same nest - Ed)
• The boss or fleshy protuberance of the Drake gets greatly enlarged during the breeding-season, frequently measuring 2.2 x 2.4 inches at the the base

Hume, A.O. 1889-90. The Nests and Eggs of Indian Birds. 2nd Edition. Vol. I, II & III.

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