American Black Ducks (Anas rubripes)

• HABITAT - American Black Ducks breed mostly in freshwater wetlands throughout northeastern North America, including beaver ponds, brooks, shallow lakes, bogs in boreal forests, and wooded swamps. During winter, the American black duck mostly inhabits brackish marshes bordering bays, agricultural fields, estuaries and riverine areas.
• DIET - American Black Ducks eat mostly plant matter, with insects added during the breeding season They forage in shallow water like typical “dabbling ducks” by submerging their heads, or tipping up to reach underwater food. In deeper water they may dive more than 12 feet deep for plant tubers and other food items.
• FACTS - American Black Duck is the only common duck in eastern North America in which the sexes are almost identical in appearance. They were once the most abundant dabbling duck in eastern North America, but is now only half as numerous as it was in the 1950s. They are known to crossbreed with Mallards.
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