American Black Duck
Anas rubripes
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<birdfyi-bird slug="anas-rubripes"></birdfyi-bird>The American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) is a bird species in the family Anatidae (ducks, geese & swans), within the order Anseriformes (waterfowl). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 53.4 cm and a weight of 1.2 kg. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A large dark brown dabbling duck closely resembling a very dark female Mallard, with purple speculum, yellowish-olive bill in males, and orange legs. Common in eastern North America. Hybridizes freely with Mallard; pure populations declining in the interior.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 53.4 cm | 21.0 in |
| Weight | 1211.25 g | 42.73 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Sooty dark brown body; head and neck paler buff with dark streaking. Iridescent purple speculum without white border. Males have yellow-green bill; females olive with orange blotches. Silvery underwings in flight.
Habitat & Range
Freshwater and brackish wetlands in eastern North America from Atlantic Canada south along the coast to Georgia. Breeds in northern bogs and wetlands. Winters on coastal marshes, estuaries, and freshwater lakes.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 23-33 days. Fledging: 58-63 days.
Clutch Size
1-17
Sound
Song
Female produces a loud, deep quacking series; male gives a low, raspy grunt. Voice is deeper and huskier than a Mallard; pairs call powerfully across northeastern North American wetlands.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | Anas rubripes |
Distribution
American Black Duck has been recorded in 4 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the American Black Duck live?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family