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WetlandCavity nestLarge · 883 g
ID tip
This sociable duck is found in a variety of wetland habitats, and its nesting habits are much like those of the mallard, which is encroaching on its range in New Zealand. It feeds by upending, like other Anas ducks. It has a dark body, and a paler head with a dark crown and facial stripes. In flight, it shows a green speculum and pale underwing. All plumages are similar. The size range is 54–61 cm (21–24 in); males tend to be larger than females, and some island forms are smaller and darker than the main populations.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Pacific Black Duck
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is October, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Pacific Black Duck
The map shades 16 countries with regular records, and 2 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Germany, Wallis & Futuna.
About the Pacific Black Duck
The Pacific black duck, commonly known as the PBD, is a dabbling duck found 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. It is usually called the grey duck in New Zealand, where it is also known by its Māori name, pārera.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Mottled DuckAnas fulvigulaThe adult mottled duck is 44 to 61 cm (17–24 in) long from head to tail.
Grey TealAnas gracilisIt is identified by the presence of a crimson coloured iris in its eyes, which is relatively more prominent in adult males.
Chestnut TealAnas castaneaThe chestnut teal is darker and a slightly bigger bird than the grey teal.
Side by side: Green-winged Teal vs Pacific Black Duck · Northern Pintail vs Pacific Black Duck · American Black Duck vs Pacific Black Duck · Mottled Duck vs Pacific Black Duck · Grey Teal vs Pacific Black Duck · Chestnut Teal vs Pacific Black Duck
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