BLACK DUCK
133. Anas rubripes. 22 in.
General plumage mottled blackish, the feathers having lighter edges; throat, buffy, streaked with blackish; crown and line through eye, nearly solid blackish; speculum bluish-purple, with no white; bill greenish-black; legs brownish. Black Ducks breed locally in pairs, throughout northern United States and southern Canada. This is the species most often seen in New England. When in flight, it can usually be recognized by the dark colored underparts and the white lining to the wings. Its habits are just like those of the [Mallard], with which it is closely related.
Notes.—A “quack,” like that of the [Mallard].
Nest.—Placed on the ground, not far distant from the water’s edge; made of grass and feathers; the 6 to 10 eggs are buff-colored (2.30 × 1.70); May, June.
Range.—Breeds locally from N. Y. and Iowa northward; winters south to the Gulf.
