Assam: Rare white Mallard sighted at Satajan wetland in North Lakhimpur

North Lakhimpur: A rare white Mallard was spotted at the Satajan wetland in Assam’s North Lakhimpur district, a sighting that has drawn attention from birdwatchers, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts across the region.

The white Mallard is an extremely rare genetic variant of the common Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), caused by a condition known as leucism, which results in a partial or complete loss of pigmentation. Unlike albino birds, leucistic birds retain normal eye colour but lack melanin in their feathers, making such sightings exceptionally uncommon in the wild.

The bird was sighted on January 26 by Palash Pratim Saikia, an avid birdwatcher from North Lakhimpur, during his regular morning observation at the Satajan wetland. Saikia said the Mallard was seen moving alone among other migratory waterfowl that visit the wetland during the winter months.

Common Mallards are widespread across Eurasia and are known to migrate to parts of India during winter. However, white or leucistic Mallards are rarely recorded, making the Satajan sighting significant from a biodiversity perspective.

The sighting has enthused local nature lovers and birding groups, while also highlighting the ecological importance of the Satajan wetland as a seasonal refuge for migratory birds. Environmentalists point out that the wetland has been increasingly threatened by human interference, encroachment and noise pollution, stressing the need for conservation measures to protect its fragile habitat.

Experts note that rare sightings such as this underline the role of wetlands in sustaining avian diversity and reinforce the importance of preserving Assam’s natural ecosystems.