Black ducks are medium-sized waterfowl known for their dark, rich plumage and graceful movement across ponds, lakes, and coastal marshes. Their feathers often appear chocolate-brown to nearly black, with a lighter head and contrasting pale markings under the wings.
They are strong flyers and skilled swimmers, often seen gliding smoothly across calm water or dabbling for food near the surface. Their diet typically includes aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and small invertebrates, which they find by tipping forward to feed in shallow areas.
During breeding season, these ducks are known for their loyalty to nesting sites near freshwater sources. The nests are usually hidden among reeds or grasses, providing protection for their eggs and young. The downy chicks are able to swim shortly after hatching, following the adults closely for safety and guidance.
These birds occupy a wide range of ecological niches. Some are dabbling birds, tipping forward in shallow waters to feed on aquatic plants and invertebrates just below the surface. Others are skilled divers, propelling themselves underwater in pursuit of fish, mollusks, and crustaceans in deeper lakes and coastal marine environments.
Types of Black Duck Breeds
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes)
Found in: Eastern North America.
This is a large dabbling duck that appears very dark brown at a distance, earning it the “black duck” name. It is a wild species often found in freshwater marshes and coastal bays. It is closely related to the Mallard and frequently hybridizes with it, which is a concern for its genetic integrity.
African Black Duck (Anas sparsa)
Found in: Sub-Saharan Africa.
A striking, dark-plumaged dabbling duck that lives on fast-flowing rivers and streams. It is mostly black with white speckles on its back and a distinctive white face patch. It is a territorial and strong-swimming duck, well-adapted to its rocky river habitat.
Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa)
Found in: Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and islands in the southwestern Pacific.
A common dabbling duck with dark brown plumage that can appear black. It has two prominent black stripes on its face with a cream-colored one in between. Its behavior and ecology are similar to the Mallard in the Northern Hemisphere.
Cayuga Duck
Found in: Domesticated worldwide; originated in the United States (New York).
A heavyweight domestic duck breed known for its stunning, iridescent green-black plumage that shimmers beetle-green in the sunlight. They are a dual-purpose breed, raised for both meat and their unique, dark-colored eggs. They are calm and hardy birds.
East Indie Duck
Found in: Domesticated worldwide; originated in the United States.
The smallest of the domestic duck breeds, the East Indie is a bantam duck with jet-black plumage that has a brilliant green sheen. They are primarily kept as ornamental or show birds due to their small size and beautiful appearance.
Swedish Blue Duck (Black Variant)
Found in: Domesticated worldwide; originated in Pomerania (not Sweden).
While the standard Swedish Blue is slaty-blue with a white bib, a solid black variant is also recognized. This domestic duck is a versatile, medium-weight bird known for being a good forager and a reliable layer of white eggs.
Pomeranian Duck (Black Variant)
Found in: Domesticated, particularly in Northern Europe.
A traditional, heavy dual-purpose breed. While it comes in several colors, the solid black variety is a handsome bird. It has a somewhat upright carriage and is known for being a good layer and a quality table bird.
Muscovy Duck (Black Variant)
Found in: Domesticated worldwide; wild populations are native to Mexico, and Central and South America.
The Muscovy duck comes in many colors, and the solid black variety is very striking. They are large, quiet ducks with a distinctive fleshy red caruncle on their face. They are excellent foragers and are often raised for pest control and meat.
Scoters (Melanitta spp.)
Found in: Coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere.
Scoters are large, entirely black sea ducks. The three main species are the Black Scoter, Surf Scoter, and White-winged Scoter (which has a small white wing patch). The males are uniformly velvety black, and they dive for mollusks and crustaceans in the ocean.
Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra)
Found in: Coastal waters and large lakes in Northern Europe, Asia, and occasionally North America.
The male Common (or Black) Scoter is completely black with a distinctive yellow knob on its black bill. They are strong divers and form large flocks, known as “flights,” out at sea.
Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca)
Found in: Coastal waters and large lakes of Northern Europe and Asia.
A large, robust sea duck, the male Velvet Scoter is entirely black with a striking white patch behind the eye and a white speculum (wing patch) visible in flight. It has a distinctive orange and black bill with a knob at the base, and it dives for mollusks and aquatic insects.
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)
Found in: Freshwater marshes and lakes across North America.
While not entirely black, the drake (male) appears so from a distance. It has a glossy black back, head, and breast with a distinctive peaked head. A closer look reveals a subtle chestnut ring on the neck and a bold white ring on the bill. It is a common and familiar diving duck.
Australian Wood Duck (Chenonetta jubata)
Found in: Across Australia in grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands.
The male of this species has a sleek, dark grey-brown body that can appear nearly black, contrasted with a chocolate-brown head and a small, dark mane. It is a grazing duck, more often seen on land than in water, and nests in tree hollows.
Wild Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata)
Found in: From Mexico to Central and South America.
The wild ancestor of the domestic Muscovy is predominantly black and white, but some individuals can be almost entirely black with a brilliant green gloss. They are large, perching ducks with a bare, black and red facial skin and are found in forested swamps and rivers.