The medium-sized Pacific Black Duck is a familiar sight in East Gippsland wetlands, estuaries and bays.
In more urbanised areas they can be seen grazing in pairs and family groups in parks near ponds, lakes, rivers and irrigated ovals or golf courses. They readily mix with other duck species and are spotted within large groups of mixed species.
These dabbling ducks feed on algae and plants along with some invertebrates like snails and enjoy guzzling through shallow water and muddy areas. They usually stay close to water, grazing close to their nesting site which may be among reeds or foliage, or in a low tree hollow or stump.
Male and female Pacific Black Ducks look similar with grey-brown bodies, tortoise shell patterned feathers and a small panel of blue-green on the wings. The maximum size is 60cm, with the female slightly smaller and lighter coloured than her mate.
Despite being a common sight, these ducks are not to be overlooked as ‘ordinary’. They have distinctive facial markings with two conspicuous cream and black stripes above each eye as captured in their Latin name Anas superciliosa, which sounds like it may also refer to the duck’s haughty attitude to life and other ducks.
Nomadic and dispersive, south-east Australia sees seasonal shifts in Pacific Black Duck populations in response to favourable or unfavourable conditions. Breeding is aligned to optimum conditions; in southern Australia breeding occurs in Springtime following winter rains. Abundant rain across the seasons will encourage breeding all year round. These ducks form seasonal pairs and may remain together for life. The female incubates the eggs while the male stays nearby guarding the nest site and brooding female.
Pacific Black Ducks are naturally wary but can become quite tame around humans if unmolested. It is important to refrain from feeding wild ducks in shared spaces like parks as inappropriate diet offered by well-meaning humans can impact on their health, growth and breeding. For many people, especially children, this proximity to wild ducks in local parklands is an exciting and rewarding interaction nature experience. If there are ducks in your neighbourhood, enjoy the opportunity for observation and interaction, being mindful of their natural habitat, nest sites and food sources.
Potential predators include water rats, birds of prey such as eagles, tiger snakes, feral animals and roaming domestic pets (dogs and cats). Humans also pose a threat as the abundant Pacific Black Duck is listed as a huntable game bird and comprise a high percentage of killed waterfowl in the prescribed hunting season.
