American Black Duck
NameAmerican Black Duck
Common NameAmerican Black Duck
Scientific NameAnas rubripes
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)92
Length (cm)56
Weight (g)1200
Plumage DetailsOverall dark sooty-brown body plumage, appearing almost black, with a paler grayish-brown head and neck. The bill is yellow in males and duller yellow to greenish in females. Feet are orange-red. A distinctive iridescent violet-blue speculum (wing patch) is visible on the secondary feathers, often without white borders.
Vocalization / CallFemales produce a loud, deep 'quack' similar to a Mallard but often described as more guttural. Males have a softer, lower-pitched 'kwek-kwek' call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across central and eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, wintering primarily along the Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia south to Florida and the Gulf Coast.
Identifying Featuresdark sooty-brown body, paler grayish-brown head, yellow bill (especially males), orange-red feet, iridescent violet-blue speculum without white borders
Description
The American Black Duck is a large dabbling duck with a dark body, a contrasting paler head, and a bright yellow bill. It typically inhabits freshwater and saltwater wetlands, foraging for aquatic plants and invertebrates by dabbling.
