American Black Duck
Anas rubripes
Physical: The American Black Duck is a large bird, 48-56 cm in size. It is sooty brown with a pale head, white linings, and a violet speculum. Sexual dimorphism is not present.
Habitat: A. rubripes make their homes in ponds, streams, and marshes. They winter from southern Minnesota to Nova Scotia, and south to Texas and Central Florida.
Feeding: American Black Ducks eat aquatic plants and invertebrates. These include bivalves such as mussels and various univalves like snails.
Breeding: A. rubripes lay 9 to 12 greenish buff eggs. They are placed in a nest of feathers and down on the ground. Breeding grounds include eastern and central North America, from Manitoba and Labrador to Texas and Florida.
