African black duck
Scientific name: Anas sparsa
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Small darkly-plumaged duck with distinctive white cheeks and neck marking; males darker than females, both sexes showing a pale neck collar.
Size and weight
850–1200 g; body length 43–51 cm.
Habitat
Found on fast-flowing streams and small forest pools with dense riparian vegetation, typically between lowland and 3000 m elevation.
Distribution
Endemic to Africa, ranging from West Africa through Central and East Africa to southern regions. Prefers forested highlands and montane terrain.
Diet
Dabbles on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates; insects and molluscs more prominent in winter months.
Behaviour
Crepuscular and diurnal, favouring quiet forest streams. Pairs or small flocks; wary of open water and tends to stay in thick cover.
Hunting tips
Look for feeding signs and droppings along stream margins and vegetation clearings. Approach upstream slowly using dense cover; water noise masks movement. Hunt at dawn and dusk when ducks move between roost and feeding sites.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country 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.