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Black duck, or ‘blackies’, are one of our best game birds. They're found in most
parts of Australia wherever there is surface water. An obvious feature of black duck is
the pale, striped face. At a distance, it is sometimes difficult to see the dark stripe,
but the pale face usually stands out well. The upper wing is all dark, but in some light
conditions you may be able to see a green colour patch. Occasionally, this colour patch
may look purple, or else it’s not seen it all. What you should look for on black duck
are the large white patches on the under wing. These contrast strongly with the dark body
and dark upper wing. So to identify black duck, look for the pale, striped face, dark body and white under wing.
At moderate range and in good light, these features show up well. But you need to be
careful. In some conditions, it is difficult to identify this bird. Here, all you can see
is the pale face contrasting with its all-dark body. Remember, if in any doubt, don't shoot.
The favourite habitats of black duck are those deep, freshwater swamps with plenty of cover.
At close range, the pale, striped face shows up clearly against a dark body. Black duck
are one of our largest game birds. The other birds here are chestnut teal. The pale face
and neck are the main features for identification on the water. Compare the black duck in the
middle with the two pink ears on the right and t he hardhead on the left. In the air
you should look for its white under wing and the contrasting dark upper wing. With good light you may see a flash of green
feathers. Here's another one pitching in. Notice again the white under wing and the
pale head. Against the light you can't make out much, but as soon as they turn it should be easy.
Black duck are strong fliers with rapid wing beats. Male and female look alike. Here's
a black duck with two grey teal. Compare their size. By now you should be able to spot the
one that isn't a blackie. Coming head-on, blackies are not so easy to identify. You
should wait to see what they are. Black duck are easy to identify if you remember what to look for - pale head, dark upper wing
with green feathers. The green feathers only show up in good light.
Again, notice the pale head and dark body and white under the wing. The white under wing is probably the most
obvious feature.