Wildlife - Species


Black Duck

Species Specific Regulations

Black Duck

Licenses: Hunting License required. Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) that is validated by the hunter signing the stamp in ink across the face of the stamp

Limits: Please see Migratory Bird Regulations for any game zones restrictions or Limitations.

Complete hunting regulations.

Black Duck

Black Duck
(Anas rubripes)

Description

White wing lining in contrast to very dark body plumage is a good identification clue.

Average Size
Black Ducks have an average length of 24 inches and an average weight of 2 3/4 pounds.

Preferred Habitat
A bird of the eastern states, primarily the Atlantic Flyway and, to a lesser extent, the Mississippi. Often seen in company of mallards, but along the Atlantic coast frequents the salt marshes and ocean much more than mallards.

Typical Flock Pattern

Flock patter illustration

Wings

Black Duck Wings

Food Habits

Flocks often feed in early morning and late afternoon in nearby harvested fields, returning to marshes and creeks to spend the night.

Miscellaneous

  • Shy and wary, regarded as the wariest of all ducks.
  • Flight is swift, usually in small flocks.
  • The hen’s quack and the drake’s kwek-kwek are duplicates of the mallards.

Publications and Literature

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Federal Duck Stamp Office Presents: North American Waterfowl

 

Hunting Information

South Carolina waterfowl hunters 16 and older are required by state law to obtain a state migratory waterfowl permit and Migratory Game Bird permit. Both permits must be in the hunter's possession while hunting or transporting legal waterfowl. A state waterfowl permit is included with the Lifetime Senior, Lifetime Gratis and Disability Licenses. S.C. residents who hold a Lifetime Senior or Lifetime Gratis License are not required to have a Migratory Game Bird permit.

National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP)

The waterfowl permits and HIP permits are available from select DNR offices and from hunting and fishing license agents.

Dean Harrigal - Waterfowl Biologist

SCDNR
585 Donnelley Drive
Green Pond, SC 29446
Phone: 843-844-8957
Fax: 843-844-2525

E-mail: harrigald@dnr.sc.gov