Birds of North Carolina:
their Distribution and Abundance
Masked Duck - Nomonyx dominicus
ANATIDAE Members:
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General Comments This shy and secretive Tropical American duck has been found in the state on one occasion. An earlier NC Bird Records Committee considered the Masked Duck record as Provisional II, indicating some concern about its natural origin/occurrence; this committee placed most stray waterfowl sightings in this category. However, a more recent Committee, in a 1990 decision [Chat 54:55 link], re-evaluated the record and considered the bird to be of natural, unassisted origin, as the species is rarely kept in captivity and as strays routinely range north to Florida.
Breeding Status Nonbreeder
NC BRC List Definitive
State Status
U.S. Status
State Rank SA
Global Rank G5
Coastal Plain Accidental; one in non-breeding plumage (female or winter-plumaged male) was seen at Lake Ellis [now named Lake Ellis Simon] (Craven) from 20-25 Feb 1982* [Chat 46:112-113 link]; photo on the cover of the issue.
Piedmont No records.
Mountains No records.
Finding Tips Too rare to search for.
1/2 *
Attribution LeGrand[2023-03-02], LeGrand[2018-02-01], LeGrand[2012-01-01]
NC Map
Map depicts all counties with a report (transient or resident) for the species.
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