Pacific black duck

Scientific name: Anas superciliosa

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Dark brown to blackish plumage overall with a distinctive white or pale eyebrow stripe. Males and females similar; males slightly larger and darker. Bill and legs dark grey-green.

Size and weight

Males 51–61 cm, 0.9–1.3 kg; females 48–56 cm, 0.8–1.1 kg.

Habitat

Freshwater wetlands, swamps, and coastal lagoons with dense emergent vegetation and open water. Found from sea level to moderate elevations in well-watered regions.

Distribution

Native to Australia, Tasmania, and southern New Guinea. Prefers inland freshwater systems but occurs in coastal marshes; absent from arid interior.

Diet

Omnivorous dabbler; feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, invertebrates, and small fish; forages more heavily on plant matter in dry seasons.

Behaviour

Primarily crepuscular and nocturnal; highly alert and wary. Pairs or small flocks; strong fliers despite dabbling habit. Males vocal during breeding; birds shift between daytime roosts and feeding grounds.

Hunting tips

Watch for flight lines between roosts and feeding grounds at dawn and dusk. Look for tracks and droppings around reed margins and shallow bays. Approach from downwind or from water; use natural cover and move during low-light periods to minimize detection. Decoys and calls are effective near active feeding areas.

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

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