28 August, 2011

Pacific Black Duck

Scientific Name: Anas superciliosa

Population Estimate: 180K - 1.2M

Range / Habitat: Found in marine coastal and inland wetland habitats in much of Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and many islands in the southwestern Pacific, reaching to the Caroline Islands in the north and French Polynesia in the east. 

Field Notes: Long dabbling duck similar to female Mallard but darker body with pale head and conspicuous black eye stripe with white striping above and below. Sexes similar. Green speculum with black borders and thin white band on trailing edge only. 

Personal Notes: New Zealand name is Grey Duck. Frequently interbreed with Mallard in New Zealand. Maori name is Parera.

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