Pacific Black Duck
Anas superciliosa
The Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa) is a common ducks, swans, and geese found in 18 countries, weighing about 883 g. 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.
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.
How to identify it
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.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Germany, Wallis & Futuna.
When to see it
The Pacific Black Duck can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Pacific Black Duck?
- 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. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Pacific Black Duck?
- The Pacific Black Duck is a large sized bird weighing about 883 g.
- Where can you see a Pacific Black Duck?
- The Pacific Black Duck occurs in 18 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Fiji.
- What birds look similar to a Pacific Black Duck?
- The Pacific Black Duck is most easily confused with the Mottled Duck, the Grey Teal and the Chestnut Teal.
- Is the Pacific Black Duck endangered?
- The Pacific Black Duck is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Pacific Black Duck for real
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