The African Black Duck (Anas sparsa) is a bird from Africa. It is also called the Black River Duck. It is in the mallard group of ducks.

The African Black Duck is black with white bars on its back. It has a dark beak. It has orange legs and orange feet.

African Black Duck

It is a medium-sized bird, growing to 48-57 centimetres (19-22 inches) long.

The African Black Duck is from central and southern Africa, and west Africa. It prefers wetlands, such as rivers, streams, and ponds, with a lot of vegetation where it can hide, because it is quite shy.

The African Black Duck is an omnivore, feeding on insects, plants, seeds, and aquatic animals, such as fish, snails, and crabs.

It is usually seen in pairs or small flocks.

Females make a cup-shaped nest of grass and driftwood near water. Females lay about 4-8 eggs, which take about 30 days to hatch. After the chick hatch, they take about 86 days to grow all of their feathers. Only the female looks after the eggs and her chicks.

African Black Duck

African Black Duck

African Black Duck

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM