African Black Duck
Anas sparsa
A: Swarteend
Ss: Letata la noka
Z: idadelimnyama

BIRD FAMILY
Geese and Ducks

SIZE
51-54cm (L)

HABITAT
During daytime, pairs inhabit streams and rivers with stony bottoms (often in well-wooded valleys), moving to larger, open waters at sunset to roost.

SPECIES DESCRIPTION
Uncommon resident. Characterised by dark grey-brown plumage with bold white spots on wings and back and iridescent blue speculum with white border. Immature browner, spots buffy, belly barred white. When swimming appears short-necked and long-bodied. Mostly calls when flying in pairs: female utters a persistent loud quacking, male an almost imperceptible ‘weep… weep… weep’.