In this blog post, we wanted to introduce you to this beautiful black duck breed. We have two Cayuga Ducks ourselves, Simon and Ronja. Ronja, however, is not a pure breed; she is a mix between Cayuga and Mallard. This is why not all of the characteristics below are true for her.
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Black ducks are a rare and mesmerizing sight in the avian world. Their dark velvety plumage sets them apart from other vibrantly-colored duck species. I’ve always found black ducks to be elegant and mystical creatures. In this article we’ll explore some of the most spectacular black duck species found across the globe.
A Look at 10 Notable Black Duck Species
There are over 40 different species of ducks with black plumage. Let’s take a closer look at 10 of the most interesting black ducks on the planet:
1. American Black Duck
The American black duck (Anas rubripes) is one of the most prevalent black ducks in North America. The males and females have a brownish-black hue with a gray head and neck. They also feature a distinctive greenish-yellow bill. These ducks inhabit freshwater wetlands and estuaries along the Atlantic coast and Great Lakes region.
2. Muscovy Duck
The muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is a large duck species native to Mexico, Central, and South America The males are predominantly black with some white wing patches. Females are mostly white with black spots This duck has a red knob on top of its head. Muscovy ducks are also popular as pets and on farms.
3. Cape Shoveler
The Cape shoveler (Spatula smithii) is a dabbling duck found in sub-Saharan Africa. The males are black with a glossy green head, white crescent behind the eye, and orange legs. Females are mottled brown. These ducks inhabit freshwater wetlands. Their large spatula-shaped bill helps them filter food from water.
4. Australian Black Duck
The Australian black duck (Anas superciliosa) is native to Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, and New Guinea. True to its name, the males are mostly black with some light mottling. Females are brown with black and white freckling. These ducks frequent rivers, swamps, and lakes.
5. Mandarin Duck
The mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) is a small perching duck known for its colorful plumage. The males have a red bill, large white crescent above the eye, and orange “sails” on the back. Females are grey with a white ring around the eye. Despite its name, this duck is native to East Asia.
6. Black Scoter
The black scoter (Melanitta americana) is a large sea duck that breeds in northern Canada and Alaska The males are entirely black with orange bills Females are brownish with dark caps. Black scoters inhabit coastal waters and dive for mollusks, crustaceans, and fish.
7. Common Goldeneye
The common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) is a diving duck found across the Northern Hemisphere. Males have glossy black heads with a round white patch below the eye. Females have brown heads. These agile ducks breed near forested lakes and rivers.
8. White-eyed Duck
The white-eyed duck (Aythya australis) inhabits wetlands across southern South America. Males are black with a white eye-ring and yellow bill. Females are dull brown. They construct floating nests out of vegetation in marshy areas.
9. Tufted Duck
The tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) has a black body, black head with a tuft of feathers, and red eyes. Females are brown with a paler cheek patch. This medium-sized diving duck lives throughout northern Eurasia. They winter as far south as North Africa and Japan.
10. Ring-necked Duck
The ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris) of North America gets its name from the thin white ring around the base of the male’s black head and neck. The females are grey-brown with a darker crown. They breed in wooded wetlands and marshy beaver ponds.
Habitats and Behaviors of Black Ducks
Black duck species inhabit a variety of wetland ecosystems around the world. This includes freshwater marshes, lakes, rivers, estuaries, coastal shorelines, and mountain streams. Most black ducks are dabbling ducks that tip their tails up vertically to feed on aquatic plants and invertebrates at the water’s surface. Others are diving ducks that plunge underwater in search of fish and other prey.
During breeding season, male black ducks will engage in elaborate courtship displays to attract mates. Their dark plumage likely plays a role in mate selection and territorial displays. Many black ducks migrate seasonally to find ideal breeding and wintering habitats. They often gather in large mixed flocks with other ducks during migration and winter.
While some black duck populations are declining, many species remain widespread and plentiful around the globe. Protecting their sensitive wetland ecosystems from pollution, development, and climate change is key to their continued survival.
The Allure of the Black Duck
For bird enthusiasts like myself, catching a glimpse of a black duck is always a magical experience. Their jet black feathers shimmer with an iridescent sheen in the sunlight. Spotting a male’s colorful bill or facial markings offers a striking pop of color against the dark canvas. And watching their graceful movements across misty waters creates a serene, almost mystical scene.
Black ducks have captivated humans for centuries with their uniqueness and elegance. If you have the chance to see these remarkable waterfowl up close, take a moment to admire their subtle beauty. With a range of species across diverse habitats, the world of black ducks is full of avian wonders waiting to be discovered.
Characteristics of Cayuga Ducks
Cayuga ducks are medium-sized, with males typically weighing between 7 and 8 pounds and females weighing between 5 and 6 pounds. They have a distinctive black plumage with a green/blue/purple sheen most noticeable in the sunlight. The green sheen on Cayuga duck feathers is caused by a pigment called biliverdin, also found in human blood. Because of their distinctive color, Cayuga ducks are sometimes called “beetle-green” ducks.
- Size and Weight: Males typically weigh between 7-8 pounds, while females are slightly lighter, around 5-6 pounds.
- Color Variations: Cayuga ducks are primarily black, but their plumage can exhibit green or purple iridescence.
- Distinctive Features: They have a distinctive green sheen to their feathers, especially noticeable under sunlight.
- Body Type: Upright breed. Long, broad, and deep. Prominent breast, keel well forward, forming a straight underline from stern to stern. The tail is carried well out and closely folded, with drakes having two or three well-curled feathers in the center.
- Head: Large
- Neck: Long, tapering, and gracefully curved
- Eye Color: Dark brown or black
- Legs and Feet: Black, may be tinged with orange in mature drakes. Straight and webbed, toes straight and connected by web
- Bill Color: Slate-black with a dense black saddle in the center, not touching the sides or coming within an inch of the end. The bean is black. The bill color may change to olive.
While the Cayuga’s plumage is initially uniformly greenish-black, it may become mottled with white as it ages, especially for females.
They are an upright breed with brown eyes, black legs, and feet that may be tinged in orange in drakes as they mature. Their bill is black but may change to olive, as our drake Simon beautifully demonstrated in the picture below.
- Laying Frequency: Cayuga ducks lay 100-150 large eggs per year, suitable for general eating and baking purposes.
- Broodiness: They become broody after laying 8-14 eggs and may exhibit aggressive behavior while sitting on their eggs.
- Egg Color: Initially black, their eggs lighten to gray and eventually become white as the season progresses.
- Mating Behavior: Cayugas tend to choose seasonal mates rather than forming lifelong bonds.
- Edibility of Eggs: Their eggs are rich and flavorful, often preferred for their high quality.
- Comparison with Other Breeds: While not as prolific as Khaki Campbells, Cayugas still provide a steady supply of eggs.
Cayuga ducks are known for their gentle nature. They are not as active as some other duck breeds, but they are very friendly and make good pets.
Cayuga ducks are also relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for first-time duck owners. They are also relatively quiet, making them a good choice for people who live in urban or suburban areas. Cayuga ducks are also intelligent and easy to train, and they are quite adaptable to different environments.
Cayuga ducks are a hardy breed and well-suited for cold climates.
History of Cayuga Ducks
The Cayuga duck is a medium-sized, black breed of domestic duck originating in the United States. It is named after the Cayuga people, a Native American tribe that lived in the Finger Lakes region of New York State.
The exact origins of the Cayuga duck are unknown, but there are two main theories. Some believe the Cayuga duck was developed from a cross between the Black East Indies duck and the Rouen duck. Others believe the breed originated from a wild black duck found in Cayuga County, New York.
The first recorded mention of the Cayuga duck was in 1840, when John S. Clark obtained some ducks of this type in Orange County, New York, and took them to Cayuga County. The breed quickly became popular in the area, and by the 1850s, it was being exported to other parts of the United States. The Cayuga was first exhibited at the New York State Fair in 1842 and officially recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1874.
The Cayuga duck quickly became popular in the United States, and by the 1870s, it was the most common duck breed in the country. It was prized for its dark plumage, which was resistant to fading, and its good laying ability. In the second half of the 19th century, the Cayuga duck became the principal duck breed reared for meat in the United States. However, in the late 19th century, the American Pekin duck began to displace the Cayuga duck in popularity. This was because the Pekin duck was larger and had white plumage, which made it more desirable for commercial growers.
Despite the decline in its popularity, the Cayuga duck has remained a popular breed among hobbyists and backyard poultry keepers.
Today, the American Poultry Association and the British Poultry Standards still recognize the Cayuga duck. The Livestock Conservancy lists the breed as ” Watch, ” meaning that it is a heritage breed at risk of extinction.
Mallard vs American Black Duck | ID Guide
FAQ
How rare are American black ducks?
American Black Ducks are fairly common, but the North American Breeding Bird Survey recorded a decline of about 87% in the United States but has been roughly stable in Canada between 1966 and 2019.
What is the name of the black duck?
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
What is the difference between a mallard and a black duck?
The hen Mallard also has an unstreaked whitish throat where the Black Duck’s throat is finely streaked with grayish-brown. Bill color is another clue—with a good view, one can observe that the hen Mallard’s bill is orange and black, where the Black Duck’s bill ranges from a dusky greenish yellow to a drab olive color.
How to tell if a black duck is male or female?
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Male (Drake):
- Plumage: Dark, glossy, and overall darker than females, with a pale grayish head and neck contrasting with the dark back and breast plumage.
- Bill: Yellowish-green.
- Tail: Some males may have a curled tail feather, but this isn’t always a reliable indicator.
- Quack: Males have a quieter, raspy quack compared to the louder, stereotypical quack of females.
- Plumage: Dark, glossy, and overall darker than females, with a pale grayish head and neck contrasting with the dark back and breast plumage.
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Female (Hen):
- Plumage: More muted brown coloration, similar to the female mallard, with streaked body feathers.
- Bill: Darker and duller than the male’s.
- Tail: Females have a flat tail with no curled feathers.
- Quack: Females have a louder, stereotypical quack.
- Plumage: More muted brown coloration, similar to the female mallard, with streaked body feathers.
What is the difference between a Black Duck and a Mallard?
A close relative of the Mallard, the Black Duck is better adapted to wooded country. With the clearing of forest, it has steadily lost ground to spreading populations of Mallards. In its stronghold along the Atlantic Coast it is a hardy bird, wintering farther north than most dabbling ducks.
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What do black ducks eat?
American Black Ducks can look for food on both land and water. Aside from dabbling, they also graze on land. They eat aquatic vegetation, animals like snails, insects, mussels, small fish, and grasses and seeds from fields. American Black Duck calls: Male American Black ducks have a more reedy call than the females’ loud quack.