PACIFIC BLACK DUCK

The Pacific black duck is a species of dabbling duck found in various parts of Australia. It belongs to the family Anatidae, which includes ducks, geese, and swans.

The Pacific black duck is native to Australia, New Zealand, and nearby islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is a widespread and adaptable species, often heard and found in a variety of wetland habitats, including freshwater and brackish ponds, lakes, rivers, and coastal estuaries.

This medium sized duck has a predominantly dark, wood-brown body with decorative, pale feather margins, speculum dark green to purple, edged black. Their head pattern has a blackish crown, bold eye mask with a blackish chin stripe. They have a faint eyebrow with a whitish-buff face and throat. Males and females are generally similar in appearance, though males may have slightly brighter plumage during the breeding season.

Pacific black ducks are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant matter, aquatic invertebrates, insects, and small fish. They typically feed by dabbling on the water’s surface or tipping their bodies to reach submerged food.

They often nest in vegetation near water, creating a well-hidden bowl-shaped nest. The female incubates the eggs, which usually number around 8 to 10, for about a month. After hatching, the ducklings are precocial, meaning they are relatively developed and able to feed themselves shortly after hatching.

Pacific black ducks are known to hybridize with other duck species, particularly the mallard. This has led to concerns about genetic dilution and the potential impacts on the native gene pool.

These ducks are strong fliers and are known for their distinctive whistling sound during flight, which is caused by the air rushing through their wing feathers.

Pacific black ducks have shown a remarkable ability to adapt to urban environments. They are often seen in city parks, golf courses, and other man-made water bodies, making them a familiar sight to urban residents.

The Pacific black duck holds cultural significance for many Indigenous Australian communities, who have traditional stories and beliefs associated with the bird.

While some Pacific black duck populations are sedentary, others are known to migrate seasonally, particularly in response to changing water availability.