Pacific Black Duck

Anas superciliosa

Description:

Dark grey-brown ducks with deep brown to black tops of heads. There were pale streaks above and below each eye. A patch of beautiful teal colour was seen on either side on the secondary flight feathers. Bill was a shiny deep grey-black.

Habitat:

fresh water lakes, ponds

Notes:

These ducks were seen amongst other ducks of a different species. They seemed to swim along the others harmoniously. The pale streaks around the eyes are distinctive, making them look docile. It is stated that the pacific black ducks could be interbreeding with introduced mallard that seem to have similar habits - see web link http://australianmuseum.net.au/Pacific-B...

Species ID Suggestions

7 Comments

Leuba Ridgway 12 years ago

Hi Satyen, I knew what you meant -I think that you're meaning of the "duck season" is perhaps more accurate -it should be anyway!.
I have seen quite a few ducks around but this year, the hunting season for ducks in Victoria does not start until mid-March -goes to mid June - so it may not be the season yet..

Wild Things 12 years ago

Sorry for my misunderstanding, Leuba and Argybee. When I said Duck Season, I meant that many ducks were seen and not the hunting season. Thanks for clarifying Leuba.

Leuba Ridgway 12 years ago

Satyen, over here as in the US and UK "duck season" means when duck shooting starts - people shoot ducks. There are always people who protest against this and some go to the extent of driving the ducks away so the shooters don't get them !!