African black duck
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The African black duck (Anas sparsa) is a species of duck of the genus Anas. It is genetically closest to the mallard group,<ref name=Johnson1999/> but shows some peculiarities in its behavior<ref name=Johnson2000/> and (as far as they can be discerned) plumage; it is accordingly placed in the subgenus Melananas pending further research.
DescriptionEdit
The African black duck is a black duck with pronounced white marks on its back, a dark bill, and orange legs and feet. A purpish-blue speculum is often visible, especially in flight. It lives in central and southern Africa. It is also known as the black river duck, or (A. s. leucostigma) West African black duck or Ethiopian black duck. It is a medium-sized duck, with a length of Template:Convert. The male is larger than the female.<ref name=Johnson2000/>
DistributionEdit
The African black duck is mainly found in eastern and southern sub-Saharan Africa from South Africa north to South Sudan and Ethiopia with outlying populations in western equatorial Africa, in southeast Nigeria, Cameroon and Gabon.<ref name = HBW>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Behavior and reproductionEdit
It is a very shy and territorial duck. It is usually seen in pairs or small flocks. It breeds throughout the year in different areas. Incubation is about 30 days by the mother and the fledgling period is 86 days and only the mother takes care of the young. Their egg quantity ranges from 4 to 8 eggs.<ref name = Iziko>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
EcologyEdit
Though it likes to stay in rivers and streams during the day it prefers large open waters during the night. This duck likes water in the wooded hills of Africa and hides its nest near running water. Also the African black duck makes its cup shaped nest of driftwood and matted grass. Though it builds its nest near water it is always above flood level and on the ground.<ref name = Iziko/>
DietEdit
It is an omnivore that feeds off of larvae and pupae usually found under rocks, aquatic animals, plant material, seeds, small fish, snails, and crabs.<ref name = Iziko/>
ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
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- Photos of the African black duck hosted by the Feather Site.
- Videos of the African black duck hosted by the Internet Bird Collection.
- Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds.