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American Black Duck
The paler head contrasting with the overall dark body and crown help distinguish this species from the more cosmopolitan Mallard. This is an adult male despite its female-like plumage. Formerly common and ubiquitous in the Northeast where I grew up, they now seem to be relatively scarce and locally distributed. The overall population has declined by a reported 50%. Habitat loss, interbreeding with Mallard and over-hunting have been blamed for their decline. Bag limits were reduced to one per day and the hunting season reduced to 30 days starting in 1983. This action appears to have stabilized their population. Formerly known as just "Black Duck" the modifier "American" was presumably added to avoid confusion with African and Pacifica Black Ducks. Formerly lumped with the Mottled Duck under the name "Dusky Duck."
Location
Lily Lake, Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA.
Date taken
18 October 2022.
Scientific name
Anas rubripes
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A marvellous picture of the Black Duck - quite different to the Australian version too LOL.

Thanks so much for showing him to us Joe.
 

Media information

Category
North America
Added by
jmorlan
Date added
View count
336
Comment count
2

Image metadata

Device
Canon Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
Aperture
ƒ/6.5
Focal length
247.0 mm
Exposure time
1/1000 second(s)
ISO
640
Filename
BlackDuckIMG_0388.jpg
File size
137.3 KB
Date taken
Tue, 18 October 2022 9:49 AM
Dimensions
1024px x 658px

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