American black duck
Black mallard, Dusky duck
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Scientific Name:
Anas rubripes - Seasons and Regulations
- Licenses/Permits
Description
Stocky, medium-sized dabbling duck with dark brown body, paler foreneck, face with a darker cap and eyestripe. and foreneck, and a purple/blue speculum bordered with black. Black body contrasts with white underwings during flight. Similar to mallard, the males have a yellow bill but females have an olive bill.
Sound
Females: loud, resonant "quack" Males: nasal whistle grunt "rhaeb"
Range and Habitat
Primarily found east of the Mississippi River, especially along the Atlantic seaboard. Breed in North Eastern United States and South Eastern Canada. A very rare visitor of Louisiana, although occasionally found.
Behavior
A highly social bird, forms large concetrations. Bahavior is similar to a mallard, but can tolerate freezing temperatures for longer periods of time. Found inland and on the coastal marshes and bays.
Population Status
Abundant, declining trend.
Hunting License Information
Basic hunting license or equivalent combination license (Sportsman Paradise). Waterfowl, HIP certification (18 years old and older). Federal Duck Stamp (16 years old and older) signed across the face, if hunting WMA then WMA Access Permit.
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