Thursday 02 April 2026 / 05:01
image

Rare Duck Species Breeds in Tuzlovskyi Limany National Park

16 July 2025

In the Tuzlovskyi Limany National Park in the Odesa region, seven broods of the rare grey duck, known as the northern pintail, have been identified, marking favorable breeding conditions for this species. This was reported by park staff member Ivan Rusev.

Key Points:

  • Seven pairs of northern pintails with ducklings have been observed in the park
  • This species is protected and listed in the Red Book of Ukraine

Why Birds Prefer the Odesa Region

Seven pairs of northern pintails (Anas strepera) with ducklings were spotted in the wetlands and dense reeds in an area of the park known as «Tuzlovskyi Amazon». This aquatic bird species is rarely found in Ukraine and is under protection as a red-listed species.

Experts from the national park note that the northern pintail is a particularly wary bird. It is almost impossible to photograph: when threatened, the female hides, and the ducklings scatter instantly into the reeds. This complicates observation but confirms that the area remains safe for breeding.

The presence of northern pintail broods highlights the crucial role of Tuzlovskyi Limany in biodiversity conservation. According to park staff, these wetlands are among the most valuable in Ukraine, especially in light of increasing climate change impacts and human activities.