Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
B7, B29, B30, B40, B94, B128.w1
D1, D8

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Dabbling Ducks

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

Aviculture information

Notes

• Dabbling Ducks are generally hardy, easy to maintain and easy to breed. Shelter may be required by some of the smaller species in winter. They should be provided with cover (including marginal pond cover) and loafing areas as well as water. A pen which is 50% water is suggested. The water may be shallow (i.e. no more than two feet deep is required), and muddy areas for dabbling in are also appreciated. These ducks are generally good in mixed collections, although the smaller and quieter species may be bullied. Territorial disputes between ducks of the same species may be avoided by keeping only one pair of each species in an enclosure, unless the area is very large. For a single pair of ducks a pen are of 50 to 100 square metres, depending on the size of duck, should be provided.
• A diet based on wheat and pellets is suggested, with maintenance pellets changed to breeders pellets for the breeding season. Bread and greenfood are also appreciated. Grit should always be available, with soluble grit (e.g. oystershell grit) as a calcium source when breeding.
• Most species are ground nesters and both close ground cover and ground level nest boxes should be provided. Hand-rearing is generally preferred, as these ducks are generally poor parents in captive conditions, particularly in enclosures shared with other waterfowl. These ducks are prone to hybridization, particularly with closely related species, which should be kept apart from one another.

(B7, B29, B30, B40, B94, B128.w1, D1)

Species-specific information:

• American black ducks should be kept in an enclosure containing water, cover, and loafing areas. These ducks are similar to Anas platyrhynchos - Mallard, but less easily bred in captivity.
• They may use a wide variety of natural and artificial nest sites and normally lay March to June.
• Hybridise with related species including Anas platyrhynchos - Mallard; should be kept separate form closely related (mallard-type) species.

(B29, B97, B128.w2).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average ring size: L 11.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Eclipse: bill more olive.

Plumage

Wing dark except for secondaries blue-purple with black base and tips; variable very fine buff/white extreme tips sometimes produce fine white back edge to speculum.

Eclipse: head and neck darker, more streaking.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Female remains with brood until fledging.

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Partially migratory and dispersive.

Northern birds migrate southward to winter as far south as Atlanta and Texas.

Vagrant to Korea, Puerto Rico and western Europe, especially Britain.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Declined considerably since the 1950s (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade