African Black Duck
Anas sparsa
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<birdfyi-bird slug="anas-sparsa"></birdfyi-bird>About
A medium-sized dark brown duck with white spots on the back, a dark bill, and orange legs. Found along fast-flowing rocky rivers and streams in Africa. Territorial and monogamous; pairs defend stretches of river. Related to Pacific Black Duck.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 49.5 cm | 19.5 in |
| Weight | 996.8333333333334 g | 35.16 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Dark blackish-brown plumage with bold white spots on back and scapulars. Iridescent blue-green speculum with white borders. Head dark with pale spots. Bill and legs dark gray. Sexes similar. Fast-flowing river specialist.
Habitat & Range
Fast-flowing rocky rivers and streams, mountain gorges, and waterfalls from sea level to 4,000 m across sub-Saharan Africa from Ethiopia and Kenya south to the Cape. Requires clear turbulent water with boulders.
Geographic Range
Resident across South and Southeast Asia, from India to southern China and the Philippines. Non-migratory in most of its range.
Diet & Feeding
Eats molluscs, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates; dives in coastal and freshwater habitats; diet heavier in fish in winter.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Incubation: 25-28 days. Fledging: 86 days.
Clutch Size
4-9
Sound
Song
Produces a harsh, resonant quacking call; alarm is a loud, emphatic quack repeated rapidly. Both sexes call with strong quacking; pairs duet with synchronized calls along African rivers.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | Anas sparsa |
Distribution
African Black Duck has been recorded in 5 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the African Black Duck eat?
Where does the African Black Duck live?
Is the African Black Duck endangered?
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What does the African Black Duck sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family