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American Black Duck

Anas rubripes ORDER: ANSERIFORMES FAMILY: ANATIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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A duck of the Northeast, the American Black Duck shows clear affinities with the Mallard. Populations declined precipitously in the mid-20th century, but the combined conservation efforts of the United States and Canada may have the numbers on the rise.

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Appearance

Ducks
Ducks
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large dabbling duck.
  • Body dark blackish-brown.
  • Head and neck lighter brown.
  • Legs and feet red.
  • White underwing linings contrast sharply with dark body in flight.

Male Description

Bill olive green to yellow. Markings of chest feathers U-shaped. Eclipse plumage similar, but chest feathers without internal markings.

Female Description

Slightly paler. Bill olive to greenish-gray, with dark markings. Markings of chest feathers V-shaped.

Immature Description

Similar to adult. Underparts more heavily streaked.

Range Map Help

American Black Duck Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult female
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    American Black Duck

    Adult female
    • Dull greenish gray bill
    • Dark, v-shaped marks on pale breast
    • © Lang Elliott/CLO
  • Adult male
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    American Black Duck

    Adult male
    • Bright yellow-green bill
    • Dark chestnut body
    • Violet speculum visible on folded wing
    • © Lang Elliott/CLO

Similar Species

  • Female Mallard has bold white borders to speculum, orange bill, whitish tail feathers, pale belly, and is paler overall.
  • Eclipse male Mallard has paler appearance, rusty wash on chest, and white borders to the speculum.
  • Mottled Duck has paler appearance, broader buffy edging and internal markings on the body feathers, a greenish-blue speculum with a narrow white trailing edge, and a black spot at the base of the bill at the gape.
  • Male hybrid of Mallard and American Black Duck usually has some green on the head.