Bird guidePacific Black Duck

The now- extinct Mariana mallard was probably originally derived from hybrids between this species and the mallard , which came to the islands during migration and settled there.

⚠️Not listed
🍃Indigenous: Budhanbaa, Midbirrimba, Midbirrimbarlya, Ngulirri, Yet, Australian Wild Duck, Grey Duck, Black Duck, Blackie, Parera, Wild Duck, Brown Duck

At a glance

FamilyDucks, Geese, and Waterfowl
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatThis 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.
Best timeReported across most months in Victoria, with no narrow seasonal peak.

Sounds

Sound sample
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Recorded by Marc Anderson

Range map

Range map

12438visible hotspots
1161878visible records
6states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

Note purple/green metallic panel on wing and slightly domed head. Hybridizes with Mallard. Similar to female Mallard but note Pacific Black Duck’s darker coloration and distinctive striped cream head with gray bill, darker legs and feet. Also look for green speculum with black border in flight.

Regional timing

Western Australia
Peak: January to December96,391 records
New South Wales
Peak: September to April283,991 records
Queensland
Peak: March to January256,648 records
South Australia
Peak: August to May56,721 records
Victoria
Peak: August to May381,882 records
Tasmania
Peak: September to May33,457 records
Northern Territory
Peak: July to October12,393 records
Australian Capital Territory
Peak: January to February56,131 records
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