The American black duck (Anas rubripes) is a large dabbling duck found in eastern North America. The male has a dark body and light grey face, while the female is brown. The American black duck produces a variety of vocalizations, the most recognizable being the loud “quack” of the female and the raspy “raeb” of the male. Understanding the different duck calls and what they mean can help birders identify this common duck in wetlands across eastern North America.
Female “Quack” Call
The female American black duck has a loud, nasal “quack” call that is often repeated multiple times in succession. This loud call carries well over distances and is thought to keep pairs and broods together as they travel and forage. It is also used during courtship when males display to females. The familiar “quack-quack” vocalization is often associated with ducks in general, but it is the female American black duck that utters this classic sound most frequently.
Male “Raeb” Call
The male American black duck makes a raspy, one-noted “raeb” call. It is much softer and shorter than the female’s loud quack. Males give this call repeatedly when courting a female. Multiple males may call at the same time during courtship. The raeb call is also thought to be important for spacing between male ducks defending territory. The single coarse note carries well over shorter distances. This is the signature sound of the male American black duck during breeding season.
Brood Calls
Female American black ducks with ducklings make a low muted murmuring call. This call helps the ducklings identify the female and follow her. Ducklings themselves give high-pitched peeping calls. These calls allow the brood to maintain contact with each other as they travel together. Listen for the mix of muted mumuring and high peeping to identify American black duck broods.
Alarm Calls
American black ducks give harsh, rattling alarm calls in response to predators or threats. These calls signal ducks in the area to become alert. Sometimes a single duck will give the call, while other times multiple ducks will vocalize at once. This creates a chaotic chorus of alarm calls. The alarm call serves to alert other members of the flock to danger and prepare to take evasive action.
Wing Sounds
The fast whirring of wings as American black ducks become airborne is another common sound. Ducks take flight quickly when startled, and the beats of multiple ducks simultaneously taking off produce characteristic whirring wing noises. The vibrating hum of the wings rapidly moving through the air can be heard before the ducks become visible. Listen for this rushing wing sound to know ducks are about to emerge in flight.
Splashing in Water
American black ducks make splashing sounds in the water as they land, take off, and forage. Ducks slap the water’s surface with their wings and feet as they work to become airborne. The splash of landing after a flight is also quite loud. Ducks upend and forage in shallow water, tails flipping above the surface as they feed. This activity churns up the water, producing splashing, gurgling, and dripping sounds. The noises of American black ducks busily working shallow wetland waters can attract attention before the ducks themselves are in view.
Dabbling at Water’s Surface
The noises made by American black ducks dabbling in the water can also help identify them. Dabbling ducks tip headfirst into the water to feed on aquatic plants and invertebrates below the surface. This behavior creates soft sounds of water being sucked and burbled below the surface. Listen for gentle lapping and gurgling sounds made as ducks rhythmically raise and lower their heads to feed. American black ducks commonly dabble in wetland edges and mudflats at dawn and dusk.
Identifying Specific Calls
While all ducks have a repertoire of sounds, focusing on the key identifiable calls of American black ducks takes practice. Here are some tips to hone your listening skills:
- Learn the female’s loud “quack” call and the male’s raspy “raeb” call. These are unique to American black ducks.
- Note the high peeping of ducklings and muted murmur of the attending female.
- Distinguish the rattling alarm call that signals danger.
- Differentiate the fast whirring sound of ducks taking flight.
- Listen for splashing and gurgling sounds made on the water’s surface.
- Identify the subtle sounds of ducks dabbling and feeding.
With keen listening skills, birders can detect American black ducks in wetland habitats based on sound cues before they ever see the ducks. So next time you are near a marsh, wet meadow, or creek, listen closely and see if you can hear the typical sounds of the American black duck!
Conclusion
The American black duck produces a variety of vocalizations and sounds. The female’s loud “quack”, the male’s soft “raeb”, high peeping ducklings, and rattling alarm calls are distinctive sounds that can alert birders to the presence of American black ducks. Splashing wings, churning water, and dabbling also produce audio cues. Identifying the unique mix of sounds made by American black ducks takes practice, but will allow bird enthusiasts to detect this duck’s presence in wetland habitats based on sound cues alone.