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, B31, B40, B94, B97, B128.w1, B128.w2, B139
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:

• Pacific black ducks are hardy, peaceable and suitable for mixed collections. Ground cover and loafing areas should be provided as well as a water area. May be fed grain, pellets and green food.
• These ducks are easily bred. Close ground cover, ground-level and raised nest boxes and baskets should be provided for breeding, with eggs laid from the beginning of March (B31), usually April to June (B29) (northern hemisphere). May be parent reared; artificial incubation and rearing or use of broodies is not difficult. Excess feeding and lack of exercise risks the ducklings developing Angel Wing and Perosis.
• Hybridisation with other Anas species in the mallard group is common - frequent hybridisation in wild with introduced Anas platyrhynchos - Mallard; maintenance in enclosures away from other similar species suggested.
• Albino, pied and silver (leucistic) forms are known in captivity.

(B29, B30, B31, B94, B97, B128.w2, B139).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average closed ring size:

• Anas poecilorhyncha superciliosa New Zealand grey duck L 11.0mm
• Anas poecilorhyncha pelewensis Lesser grey duck K 10.0mm
• Anas poecilorhyncha rogersi Australian grey duck L 11.0mm

(D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Anas superciliosa rogersi 870-1400g (B3); 1.9-3.1 lbs. (B8).

Anas superciliosa pelewensis smaller.

Anas superciliosa rogersi 806-1280g (B3); 1.8-2.8 lbs. (B8)

Anas superciliosa pelewensis smaller.

Head

Legs

Plumage

Wing dark brown, with white/pale buff tips greater coverts, green secondaries with black base and black subterminal band and white/buff tips (Speculum green with black and white borders).

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

--

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Anas superciliosa rogersi Indonesia ( East Indies, Celebes, Moluccas, Louisiade Archipelago), southern New Guinea, Australia, Tasmania.

Anas superciliosa superciliosa New Zealand and larger offshore islands.

Mostly sedentary, but dispersion from dry inland areas of Australia (where temporary wetlands are used following rains), sometimes long distances, including Australian birds reaching New Guinea.

--

--

Habitat

Intraspecific variation

• Anas poecilorhyncha superciliosa New Zealand grey duck
• Anas poecilorhyncha pelewensis Lesser grey duck
• Anas poecilorhyncha rogersi Australian grey duck

Conservation Status

Endangered: Anas superciliosa superciliosa - New Zealand grey duck (B44.9.w1)

Captive Populations

Trade