American Black Duck

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The American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) is a dabbling duck indigenous to the East Coast of the United States.

Unlike many other ducks, males and females share similar physical features, especially the dark brown or black looking body.

The yellow bill and orange webbed feet are field identification marks they share with mallards. The female bill and foot color may be a bit paler. Interbreeding between the species occurs in areas where mallards and black duck populations overlap.

Significant population declines were identified in the 1980s. Since then, both the Canadian and United States government have instituted hunting regulations as a population management tool.

They are omnivores, eating grains, grass, leaves, snails and such, in their habitat.

© 2005-2008 Patricia A. Michaels