Birdsong field guide
American Black Duck
Anas rubripes
A large, dark-bodied dabbling duck of eastern North America, characterized by its chocolate-brown plumage and contrasting pale grayish-brown head.
What it sounds like
A series of loud, raspy quacks nearly identical to a Mallard; the female gives a descending series of 6–20 notes.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- Possesses iridescent violet-blue wing patches (speculums) that lack the distinctive white borders found on Mallards.
- Frequently hybridizes with Mallards, a factor that has contributed to a decline in genetically pure populations.
- Highly salt-tolerant, it is more commonly found in coastal salt marshes and brackish estuaries than most other dabbling ducks.
- Known for extreme wariness, it is often cited by naturalists and hunters as one of the most cautious waterfowl species.
- One of the hardiest dabblers, it often remains in northern latitudes as long as open water is available.
Habitat
Freshwater and salt marshes, coastal estuaries, beaver ponds, and flooded deciduous forests.
Range
Eastern North America, from central Canada and Newfoundland south to the Gulf Coast.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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