African Black Duck
NameAfrican Black Duck
Common NameAfrican Black Duck
Scientific NameAnas sparsa
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)82
Length (cm)54
Weight (g)950
Plumage DetailsPredominantly dark sooty-brown to black plumage, often appearing mottled or scaled due to pale feather edgings. It has a distinctive blue-purple speculum (patch on the secondary flight feathers) visible on the wing, bordered by white. The bill is dark grey with a pinkish or purplish base, and the legs and feet are dark.
Vocalization / CallMales give a soft, reedy whistle, while females have a typical duck-like quack, often described as a harsh 'quack-quack-quack'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, forest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread but localized in sub-Saharan Africa, from Ethiopia south to South Africa, typically in highland areas with fast-flowing water.
Identifying FeaturesDark, mottled plumage, Pinkish/purplish base to dark bill, Bright blue-purple speculum bordered by white, Preference for fast-flowing rivers
Description
A medium-sized, dark-plumaged duck found in fast-flowing rivers and streams across sub-Saharan Africa. It is a shy and secretive species, often seen singly or in pairs, feeding on aquatic invertebrates and small fish.
