American Black Duck Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  American Black Ducks are large ducks with a profile nearly identical to Mallards. They have rounded heads, thick bills, and bulky bodies. Like other dabbling ducks they sit high in the water with their tails high.

  Relative Size

  About the same size as a Mallard; slightly larger than a Gadwall.

  between crow and goose

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 21.3-23.2 in (54-59 cm)
    • Weight: 25.4-57.9 oz (720-1640 g)
    • Wingspan: 34.6-37.4 in (88-95 cm)

  © Evan Lipton / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  American Black Ducks have very dark brown bodies with pale gray-brown heads and yellow-green bills. Females tend to be slightly paler than males, with duller olive bills. In flight, the underwings are bright white. The secondaries (speculum) are iridescent purple without white borders.

• Behavior

  These are dabbling ducks that tip up instead of dive when they forage. They eat aquatic plants, invertebrates, and occasionally small fish in shallow water. They also fly into agricultural fields to feed on waste corn and grain. Look for them mixed into flocks with other “puddle ducks” such as Gadwall and Mallards.
• Habitat

  American Black Ducks nest in eastern wetlands including freshwater and saltmarshes. During migration and winter, they rest and forage in protected ponds, marshes, and bays.