Birds
File:Anas sparsa, Walter Sisulu NBG 3.jpg

African Black Duck

African Black Duck

100
-
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The African Black Duck (Anas sparsa) is a dark, secretive dabbling duck found in sub-Saharan Africa. It prefers clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams in forested or mountainous regions, often remaining hidden in dense vegetation.
Where to spot
Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in central, eastern, and southern regions. Look for it along forested rivers, streams, and sometimes rocky coastlines.
How to spot
Look for a very dark, almost black duck with a dull grey bill and bright red legs. Its secretive nature means observing it often requires patience, scanning along riverbanks or quiet stretches of water, and listening for its soft quack.
When to spot
Year-round in its native range. Breeding activity varies regionally but often peaks during the wet season.
File:Anas sparsa, Walter Sisulu NBG 3.jpg
File:Anas sparsa 144037520.jpg
File:Anas sparsa African Black Duck IMG 9734.jpg
File:Anas sparsa African Black Duck IMG 9746.jpg
File:Anas sparsa African Black Duck IMG 9748.jpg
File:Anas sparsa African Black Duck IMG 9751.jpg
File:Anas sparsa ssp. sparsa.jpg
File:Anas sparsa, Walter Sisulu NBG 3.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Anas sparsa 144037520.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Anas sparsa African Black Duck IMG 9734.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Anas sparsa African Black Duck IMG 9746.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Anas sparsa African Black Duck IMG 9748.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Anas sparsa African Black Duck IMG 9751.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Anas sparsa ssp. sparsa.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Unlike many ducks that prefer open water, the African Black Duck is strongly associated with rocky, fast-flowing rivers and streams, where it feeds on aquatic invertebrates.
Loading...

Spotted

No recently spotted birds

Monthly observations

No observations
Loading...
Nothing spotted yet

Also interesting

File:Anas poecilorhyncha 115272135.jpg
100

Indian Spot-billed Duck

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl
File:Aythya valisineria2.jpg
95

Canvasback

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl
File:Masked Duck (Nomonyx dominicus) (8077696479).jpg
100

Masked Duck

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl
File:Anas nesiotis in Otorohanga Kiwi House.jpg
100

Campbell Islands Teal

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl
File:Argentine Blue bill (Oxyura vittata) RWD.jpg
100

Lake Duck

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl
Brilduikerop de golven
40

Common Goldeneye

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl
eenden, vogels, vliegend
25

Gadwall

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl
Steller's Eider
85

Steller's Eider

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl
File:American Black Duck Anas rubripes female.jpg
95

American Black Duck

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl
File:Branta hutchinsii in Higashiyama Zoo - 5.jpg
85

Cackling Goose

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl