African Black Duck

African Black Duck

Anas sparsa

Least Concern
Envergadura
49,5 cm
Peso
996,8333333333334 g
Familia
Anatidae
Orden
Anseriformes

Bold white spotting across a blackish-brown back distinguishes the African Black Duck (Anas sparsa), a medium-sized member of the family Anatidae. The plumage carries an iridescent blue-green speculum bordered in white, and the sexes are alike; the bill is dark and the legs orange. The species is a fast-water specialist, holding territory along rocky rivers, mountain gorges and waterfalls from sea level to about 4,000 m across sub-Saharan Africa, from Ethiopia and Kenya south to the Cape, where it requires clear turbulent water broken by boulders. Pairs are monogamous and defend stretches of river against intruders. Recorded birds average about 997 g with a wingspan near 49.5 cm. The IUCN Red List rates the species Least Concern.

On this page

Acerca de

El pato africano moteado es un pato de tamaño mediano de color marrón oscuro con motas blancas en el pecho y los flancos. Habita en ríos de rápido caudal, cascadas y arroyos de montaña en África central y meridional, siendo inusual entre los patos por su preferencia por aguas corrientes y turbulentas. También se encuentra en altitudes elevadas en las zonas montañosas de África oriental.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Envergadura 49,5 cm 19.5 in
Peso 996,8333333333334 g 35.16 oz

Identificación

Plumaje

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.

Estado de conservación

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Comportamiento y reproducción

Nidificación

Incubation: 25-28 days. Fledging: 86 days.

Tamaño de la puesta

4-9

Sonido

Canto

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.

Taxonomía

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Orden Anseriformes (Aves Acuáticas)
Familia Anatidae (Patos, Gansos y Cisnes)
Genus Anas
Especies Anas sparsa

Distribution

African Black Duck has been recorded in 5 countries.

Presente Not recorded

countries highlighted

External Databases

Preguntas frecuentes

Where does the African Black Duck live?
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.
Is the African Black Duck endangered?
The African Black Duck has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the African Black Duck nest?
Incubation: 25-28 days. Fledging: 86 days.
What does the African Black Duck sound like?
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.
How big is the African Black Duck?
The African Black Duck has a wingspan of 49.5 cm, weight of 996.8333333333334 g.
What order and family does the African Black Duck belong to?
The African Black Duck (Anas sparsa) belongs to the order Anseriformes and the family Anatidae.

Similar Birds

Other species in the Anatidae family

Comparar

Explore More

Explore the Nature FYI Family