News Flash

Urban Biologist

Posted on: January 10, 2018

Rare American Black Duck Spotted at White Rock Lake Park

black Duck

A very unique and rare visitor to Texas has recently been spotted at Sunset Bay in White Rock Lake Park, the American Black Duck (Anas rubripes). The bird is being seen in company of Mallards near trail marker 176L

This bird is so rare to Texas that the Texas Birds Record Committee (TBRC) only recognizes 9 historical sightings, with one pending verification.  The previous records for this species are concentrated in North Texas, East Texas and the Texas Coast. American Black Ducks are large ducks with a profile nearly identical to Mallards. They have rounded heads, thick bills, and bulky bodies. Like other dabbling ducks they sit high in the water with their tails high. American Black Ducks have very dark brown bodies with pale gray-brown heads and yellow-green bills. Females tend to be slightly paler than males, with duller olive bills. In flight, the underwings are bright white. The secondaries (speculum) are iridescent purple without white borders.

The American Black Duck is considered to be locally abundant along the East Coast, but increasingly rare as you move west.  The overall population is not doing well and is declining rapidly.  This is due to two interconnected factors.  Much of this forest loving species habitat has been cut during logging operations. This forest clearing is heavily favored by its close cousin, the Mallard.  Mallards will readily breed with American Black Ducks, and you get a genetic “swamping” effect.

This dabbling duck is omnivorous.  This means it floats on the surface, and ducks its head down in the water with the tail feathers sticking up, trying to see what they can catch.  It might be seeds and roots, it might be small clams, crustaceans and mussels.  They are also known to walk around on land pulling up roots and picking at seeds.

If you see this bird, you are seeing a true wildlife rarity for this area.  Be respectful of the bird and others that may be enjoying the opportunity.  Do not harass the bird or other birds that may be in the vicinity.  This includes not feeding the waterfowl and keeping your pets on a leash.

Take some time and enjoy the variety of other bird species wintering in and around White Rock Lake Park including Bald Eagle, Harris’ Sparrow, American Goldfinch and the numerous waterfowl on the lake

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in Urban Biologist

Fire Ants

Sting of the Texas Spring

Posted on: June 19, 2019
Car in Park

Driving on City Parks is Prohibited

Posted on: March 1, 2018
Ben Sandifer pelican

Birding in Dallas Parks

Posted on: November 17, 2017

Pollinator Week

Posted on: July 6, 2017
Native Blackland Prairie Small Final

City Nature Challenge

Posted on: April 12, 2017
105_6538 web

Spring Has Sprung at our Dallas Parks

Posted on: March 20, 2017
HM Park Restoration

Harry S. Moss Prairie Restoration

Posted on: February 7, 2017
Beaver

Busy Beavers

Posted on: January 18, 2017
Feeding the Ducks

Think Again Before You Feed the Ducks

Posted on: September 12, 2016
Snake Season

Snake Season is Upon Us

Posted on: April 17, 2016
White Rock Map QR Code

FIND YOURSELF AT WHITE ROCK LAKE

Posted on: January 18, 2022