African Black Duck

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.