The elusive Hartlaub's duck (Pteronetta hartlaubii) is named after Gustav Hartlaub (1814–1900), a distinguished German physician and naturalist who specialised in African birds and described many new species. A unique, dark chestnut-red waterfowl native to central African rainforests, it is often found in pairs or small groups within secluded forest swamps, secluded marshes, swampy lowland forests, and gallery forests, often staying hidden in dense vegetation. Consequently, no nest has ever been officially documented in the wild, though it is believed they nest in tree hollows and holes during the rainy season (June-September). Originally thought to be a perching duck, this species was later reclassified and sits in its own monotypic genus, Pteronetta, meaning it has no sub-species.
© BirdsImageStock