Anas poecilorhyncha zonorhyncha is a subspecies of the Eurasian wigeon, a medium-sized diving duck (Anas penelope) native to Asia. It belongs to the Anatidae family, which includes waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans.
The Eurasian wigeon, including Anas poecilorhyncha zonorhyncha, is known for its distinctive coloring and markings. The male has a chestnut head and neck, a gray body, and striking white patches on its wings, while the female has a mottled brown appearance. Both sexes have a small, rounded crest on the top of their heads.
The genus name "Anas" is derived from the Latin word for "duck," indicating its belonging to the duck family. The species name "poecilorhyncha" is composed of the Greek words "poikilos," meaning "variegated" or "colorful," and "rhynchos," meaning "beak." This refers to the colorful beak of the Eurasian wigeon.
The subspecies name "zonorhyncha" is also derived from Greek words: "zono," meaning "belt" or "girdle," and "rhynchos," meaning "beak." This likely refers to the distinctive black band observed across the beak of Anas poecilorhyncha zonorhyncha.
As a watery habitat resident, Anas poecilorhyncha zonorhyncha feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and insects. During the breeding season, it typically nests near water bodies and lays eggs in a grass-lined depression. It is a migratory species, with its breeding
