How to identify the Quaxly

To correctly identify the Quaxly (Quaxly), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

30-35 cm

Wingspan

50-55 cm

Weight

300-400 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adult males display a striking iridescent blue crest, extending from the forehead to the nape, contrasting with a white face and a dark blue-green cap. The back and wings are primarily dark blue with metallic green iridescence, while the underparts are white with faint grey barring on the flanks. A prominent white patch is visible on the secondary flight feathers (speculum). Adult females are duller, with a mottled brown body, a less pronounced, dusky blue crest, and a pale throat. Juveniles resemble females but have a more uniformly dull brown plumage and a smaller, less defined crest.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Spatulate, dark grey to black with a pale nail, adapted for dabbling and sifting through water.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Orange-yellow with dark webbing.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The most distinctive feature is the male's prominent, iridescent blue crest. Both sexes have a relatively compact body and a short neck. The white speculum is also a key field mark in flight.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are similar to adult females but generally duller, with less distinct markings and a smaller, less developed crest. Their plumage is more uniformly brown.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   Males retain their vibrant breeding plumage year-round, though the iridescence may appear slightly duller during the non-breeding season. Females show minimal seasonal plumage changes.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Highly dimorphic. Males are significantly more colorful with a vibrant blue crest and iridescent body plumage. Females are predominantly mottled brown with a subdued crest.

Key field marks

• Male's Crest. Look for the prominent, iridescent blue crest extending from the forehead to the nape. This is the most definitive field mark for males.
• Plumage Coloration. Observe the dark blue-green back and wings, contrasting with a white face and underparts in males. Females are mottled brown with a dusky blue crest.
• White Speculum. In flight, both sexes display a distinct white patch on the secondary flight feathers, which is a useful identification feature.
• Behavior. Watch for its dabbling feeding behavior in shallow water and its tendency to form social flocks.
• Vocalization. Listen for the male's soft 'whee-oo' whistle and the characteristic 'quax-quax-quax' calls from both sexes.

Explore the Quaxly