Pacific Black Duck, Photography by Dick Daniels CC BY-SA

Nimbin Rainbow Walk

Pacific Black Duck

gehrbun (Bundjalung name)

Anas superciliosa

Songs & Calls

Local Notes

One of the sweetest sights in these strange days is a family line of Pacific Black Ducks heading to water, with mother at the front and the straggling line behind. For the water is safety and food, and the grace of gliding, and dabbling, and upending for dinner.

by Zara Hallett

Bird Overview

The Pacific Black Duck is mostly mid-brown in colour, with each feather edged buff. The head pattern is characteristic, with a dark brown line through the eye, bordered with cream above and below and a dark brown crown. The upper wing colour is the same as the back, with a bright glossy green patch in the secondary flight feathers. The white underwing is conspicuous in flight. Young Pacific Black Ducks are similar to the adults in plumage.