American Black Duck

Also known as Black Duck, Black Mallard

American black ducks forage in coastal salt marshes and freshwater ponds, tipping tail-up to reach aquatic vegetation, invertebrates, and seeds. These heavily built dabblers sport rich chocolate-brown plumage accented by a bright violet-blue wing patch that lacks white borders. Widespread hybridization with mallards and coastal habitat degradation present ongoing conservation challenges across their eastern range.