African Black Duck
Anas sparsa
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<birdfyi-bird slug="anas-sparsa"></birdfyi-bird>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.
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À propos
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Envergure | 49,5 cm | 19.5 in |
| Poids | 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.
Statut de conservation
Comportement et reproduction
Nidification
Incubation: 25-28 days. Fledging: 86 days.
Taille de la couvée
4-9
Son
Chant
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.
Taxonomie
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordre | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Famille | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Anas |
| Espèces | Anas sparsa |
Distribution
African Black Duck has been recorded in 5 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Foire aux questions
Where does the African Black Duck live?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family