American Black Duck family (Anas rubripes)
A family (raft? team? flock? paddling? everywhere says what the terms are for ducks in water and in the air, but none say for when they're on dry ground!) of very friendly, very sleepy American Black Ducks. Somebody had come along and fed them before we passed by, so I took advantage of their friendliness and stuck around a while to take some photos.
The American Black Duck is a large dabbling duck. American Black Ducks are similar to Mallards in size, and resemble the female Mallard in coloration, although the Black Duck's plumage is darker. It is native to eastern North America and has shown reduction in numbers and increasing hybridization with the more common Mallard as that species has spread with man-made habitat changes.
Similar species: Ducks, Geese, Etc.
By Joe Spandrusyszyn
All rights reserved
Uploaded Aug 9, 2015. Captured in 94 Park Acre Road, Pittsford, NY 14534, USA.
