Wild or Escaped Duck in South Africa? (1 Viewer)

Hi all

This single male Knob-billed Duck has been hanging around on a suburban dam in Pretoria, South Africa, for at least 5 years. Although they are rarely reported as nomadic wanderers from the the wider area, wild Knob-billed Ducks are pretty much unheard of within the city. I've only ever seen it from afar, but recently got hold of this photo courtesy of Pieter Cronje and I'm now wondering if that left wing is pinioned, making it an escapee? There have been previous escapees here before - from Ringed Teal to Vulturine Guineafowl... Any other comments regarding this bird are also welcome - thanks in advance!

P.S. Personally, would you tick an escapee that is an indigenous species?

It's a Knob-billed Duck. I saw them in Botswana, so it does belong there. Sasol guide page 76.

Edit: apologies I didn't read the full text of your post, and thought you just wanted an id. The range map in Sasol does appear further North. Put there deliberately? Escape seems likely.

Yes. To me, it has one set of primaries only so release/escape.

All the best