American Comb Duck
VU

American Comb Duck

Sarkidiornis sylvicola

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comb_duck

Overview

The comb duck or American comb duck, is an unusual duck found in tropical wetlands in continental South America south to the Paraguay River region in eastern Paraguay, southeastern Brazil and extreme northeastern Argentina, and as a vagrant on Trinidad.

The American Comb Duck faces significant pressure from widespread habitat loss and degradation of wetland ecosystems throughout its range in South America. Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development have reduced available nesting sites and feeding areas, while hunting pressure and water pollution further threaten remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

Freshwater wetlands, oxbow lakes, flooded forests, and riparian areas with dense vegetation cover throughout tropical South America. The species prefers shallow waters with abundant aquatic vegetation and nearby forest areas for roosting and nesting.

Other threatened species in Anatidae

Philippine DuckVU

Philippine Duck

Anas luzonica

Unknown
Northern PintailVU

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

Unknown
Ruddy DuckVU

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

Unknown
greater scaupVU

greater scaup

Aythya marila

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is American Comb Duck classified as Vulnerable?
American Comb Duck is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The American Comb Duck faces significant pressure from widespread habitat loss and degradation of wetland ecosystems throughout its range in South America. Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development have reduced available nesting sites and feeding areas, while hunting pressure and water pollution further threaten remaining populations.
Where does American Comb Duck live?
American Comb Duck occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to American Comb Duck?
The main threats to American Comb Duck are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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