The American black duck (Anas rubripes) is a large dabbling duck found in eastern North America. Its range extends from central Alaska across Canada to the eastern seaboard of the United States. American black ducks are found year-round throughout much of their range, though populations in northern areas migrate south for the winter. Read on to learn more about the habitat and range of the American black duck.
Breeding Range
The American black duck breeds across Canada and the northern United States. Its breeding range extends from central Alaska across northern Canada to Nova Scotia. In the contiguous United States, it breeds from Oregon across the northern plains states to Maine. Some key areas where American black ducks breed include:
- Alaska – Found across much of mainland Alaska except for the northernmost parts. Breeds primarily in the many lakes, ponds and sloughs of the interior.
- Canada – Widespread and common breeder across much of Canada from Yukon east to Newfoundland and Labrador. Most abundant in central regions like Manitoba and Ontario.
- Pacific Northwest – Breeds sporadically in western Oregon though Numbers are declining in this region.
- Northern Plains – Breeds across North Dakota, northern South Dakota, northern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin. Many breed in the prairie pothole region.
- Great Lakes – Breeds commonly across northern Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ontario and Quebec around the Great Lakes.
- Northeastern U.S. – Breeds across New England, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey. Highest densities are found along the Atlantic coast and in Maine.
- Maritimes – Common summer resident and breeder across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The core breeding range is centered across Canada, the northeastern U.S., Alaska, and the Great Lakes region. Highest densities of breeding black ducks are typically found near lakes, ponds, marshes and slow-moving rivers and streams where they nest. However, black ducks can utilize a diversity of wetland habitats.
Wintering Range
The majority of American black ducks that breed in Canada and the northern U.S. migrate south in the fall to spend the winter in more temperate regions. Their winter range extends from Washington and Oregon across the southern U.S. from California to Florida. Some key wintering areas include:
- Pacific Coast – Winters in coastal British Columbia, Washington and Oregon. Highest concentrations are found in the Puget Sound region.
- California – Winters in small numbers scattered along the coastline and in the Central Valley.
- Southern Plains – Widespread throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Louisiana with high numbers wintering along the Texas Gulf coast.
- Southeastern U.S. – Most of the continental black duck population winters along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Florida to North Carolina.
- Northeastern U.S. – While some migrate south, decent numbers overwinter as far north as coastal Massachusetts provided open water is available.
Coastal areas and inland wetlands along migratory flyways offer prime winter habitat. Mild winters may allow American black ducks to overwinter farther north than in harsher winters.
Year-Round Range
American black ducks can be found year-round throughout much of their breeding range, particularly in the southern extent. Areas where American black ducks are resident year-round include:
- Oregon and Washington – Found year-round west of the Cascades mountains.
- British Columbia – Year-round along the coast and Vancouver Island.
- Great Lakes – Many remain through winter if open water persists.
- Northeastern U.S. – Year-round resident along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to North Carolina.
- Mid-Atlantic – Scattered year-round populations inland and along the coast.
Milder climates allow American black ducks to find adequate food through the winter months without migrating south. However, their breeding range extends much farther north into Alaska and Canada where winters are too severe to remain year-round.
Population Distribution
It is estimated that the total American black duck population is between 640,000 to 870,000 individuals. Breeding populations are concentrated in eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, roughly 68% of American black ducks breed in eastern Canada. Another 18% breed in the northeastern United States. The table below shows the estimated distribution of the breeding population across different regions.
Region | Estimated % of Breeding Population |
---|---|
Eastern Canada (Ontario eastwards) | 68% |
Northeastern U.S. (Maine to Maryland) | 18% |
Midwest U.S and Eastern Dakotas | 5% |
Western Canada & Alaska | 5% |
Pacific Northwest | 3% |
Atlantic Canada | 1% |
This table shows that the majority of the breeding population is concentrated in eastern Canada, particularly the Hudson Bay Lowlands region of Ontario. The northeastern U.S. also supports a substantial portion of black ducks. More scattered breeding populations exist westward and make up a relatively small percentage of the total.
Key Habitats
American black ducks utilize a variety of freshwater wetland habitats across their range. Some key habitats include:
Shallow Marshes
Shallow freshwater marshes with stable water levels, emergent vegetation, and adjacent nesting cover provide optimal breeding habitat. They feed on seeds and invertebrates in the shallow water and nest in surrounding grasslands.
Wooded Swamps
Swamps and forested wetlands with pools of open water are also used. They nest on the ground near water and find food among the flooded vegetation.
Boreal Forest Wetlands
The boreal forest wetlands of Canada offer extensive breeding grounds. Lakes, bogs, fens and ponds throughout the boreal region are used.
Prairie Potholes
The prairie pothole region provides important breeding habitat across the northern Great Plains. Small seasonal wetlands harbor abundant invertebrates.
Coastal Marshes
Coastal salt and brackish marshes are extremely valuable wintering areas along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, offering both food and roosting sites.
Large Lakes and Rivers
American black ducks winter commonly on large inland lakes and rivers, especially the Great Lakes, that remain ice-free in winter.
This diversity of habitats allows American black ducks to thrive across a wide geographic area. Conservation of these vital wetland habitats across the continent is crucial to maintaining healthy black duck populations.
Conclusion
In summary, American black ducks are found year-round across a large portion of North America. Their core breeding range centers on eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. They migrate south to winter along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and throughout the southern U.S. Both coastal and inland wetlands provide vital habitat. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting essential wetland ecosystems will help ensure the future of American black duck populations.