American black duck

Scientific name: Anas rubripes

Field notes

Appearance

Darkly plumaged with black-brown body and iridescent green head in males; females are duller brown. Stout dark bill.

Size and weight

Males 900–1200 g, females 700–1000 g. Body length 53–66 cm.

Habitat

Inhabits freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers with dense marsh vegetation and shallow water.

Distribution

Eastern North America, particularly the Atlantic coast and Great Lakes region; prefers forested lowlands.

Diet

Feeds on aquatic vegetation, invertebrates, and small crustaceans; grazes on land for seeds and green shoots seasonally.

Behaviour

Most active at dawn and dusk. Often seen in small flocks or pairs; makes local movements between water bodies.

Hunting tips

Scout water edges at first light for feeding flocks. Move quietly along marsh margins and approach into the wind. Use cover and minimize silhouette; set up decoys near shallow feeding areas or channel routes.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 2 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

Current language: en

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.