The Pacific Black Duck also known as Black Duck in Australia or Grey Duck in New Zealand
it’s predominantly brown in colour, with each feather edge buff.
It has a bold brown strip that runs across its face,
from its bill to behinds its eye, boarded with a cream colour stripe
The Pacific Black Duck is found in all but the most arid regions of Australia.
Outside of Australia its range extends throughout the pacific regions.
The Pacific Black Duck is one of the most versatile ducks in Australia.
They frequent all types of waters, from isolated forest pools to tidal mudflats.
They are usually seen in pairs or in small flocks and readily mix with other ducks.
The Pacific Black Duck is predominately vegetarian feeding on seeds of aquatic plants.
However will supplement their diet with small crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic insects.
Food is obtained by dabbling, where the bird plunges its head and neck underwater and upends,
raising its rear end vertically out of the water.
Occasionally food is obtained on land in damp grassy areas.
Mating coincided with availability of food and water
and often the onset of heavy rain or who waterways are at its peak.
Courtship if accompanied by display of preening, bobbing and flapping wings.
This behaviour is often initiated by the female.
Two broods will be raised within a year, thought only 20% of the off-springs will survive pass the age of two.
