The Dusky Ducks
When looking at a mallard flock, it’s easy to assume that all the individuals happen to be the same species. But in the dead of winter, sometimes other, more elusive types of birds tag along for warmth and shelter, American Black Ducks being one such group. Having had a 87% decline in the US from 1966-2019, they can now be found in the middle of multispecies flocks, contributing to increased rates of crossbreeding and diversification.
Who’s Who
Unlike mallards, American Black Ducks exhibit very limited sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look almost identical. To tell the two species apart during the winter, look for ducks who have oddly dark plumage and do not exhibit male mallard mating colors, such as green heads. These will be your chocolate visitors.
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