The African black duck (Anas sparsa) is a species of duck of the genus Anas. It is genetically closest to the mallard group,[2] but shows some peculiarities in its behavior[3] and (as far as they can be discerned) plumage; it is accordingly placed in the subgenus Melananas pending further research.

 

Here’s a detailed overview of the African Black Duck (Anas sparsa):

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Key Facts

• Scientific name: Anas sparsa (Wikipedia)

• Common names: African black duck, black river duck, South African black duck (subspecies), West African black duck / Ethiopian black duck for A. s. leucostigma. (Wikipedia)

• Conservation status: Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. (Wikipedia)

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Description

• Medium-sized duck: about 48–57 cm in length. (Wikipedia)

• Weight: Around 0.9–1.09 kg for the nominate subspecies. (birdlife.org.za)

• Plumage: Mostly dark/blackish body with irregular white markings on the back and tail. (birdlife.org.za)

• Wings: Has a purplish-blue or iridescent speculum visible, especially in flight. (Wikipedia)

• Bill: Dark (bluish-grey or blackish) (birdlife.org.za)

• Legs & Feet: Bright orange to yellow. (birdlife.org.za)

• Sex Differences: Males are generally larger, but both sexes look quite similar. (birdlife.org.za)

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Taxonomy & Genetics

• Belongs to the genus Anas (the “dabbling ducks” genus). (Sierwatervogels.NL)

• Genetically, it's closest to the mallard-group ducks, but its behavior and plumage are somewhat distinct. (Wikipedia)

• Because of these differences, it's placed in the subgenus Melananas (pending further research). (Wikipedia)

• There are two recognized subspecies:

  1. Anas sparsa sparsa — South African black duck

  2. Anas sparsa leucostigma — Pink-billed / West African / Ethiopian black duck (birdlife.org.za)

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Distribution & Habitat

• Native to sub-Saharan Africa: southern and eastern Africa (e.g., South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia) and some western/equatorial populations (Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon). (Wikipedia)

• Prefers rivers and streams — especially shallow, fast-flowing rivers with stony bottoms and wooded banks. (gateway-africa.com)

• At night, it may move to larger, more open waters to roost. (Earth Life)

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Behavior & Ecology

• Territorial & shy: Usually seen in pairs or small groups; very territorial year-round. (gateway-africa.com)

• Feeding: Omnivorous diet — invertebrates (like aquatic insect larvae), plant matter, small crustaceans, seeds, fruit, and even fish spawn. (SeaWorld)

• Nesting:

  • Nest built by female, often near water (in grass, driftwood, or roots). (biodiversityexplorer.info)

  • Clutch size: 4–11 eggs. (biodiversityexplorer.info)

  • Incubation: ~28–32 days (female alone) (biodiversityexplorer.info)

  • Ducklings: Can fledge (grow flight feathers) around 77 days, after which they become independent. (biodiversityexplorer.info)

• Vocalization: Females have a loud “quack”, especially in flight. (Newman's Birds)

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Threats & Conservation

• Not currently considered endangered, but river habitat degradation (e.g., dam building) is a potential risk. (biodiversityexplorer.info)

• Because it's a river specialist, its habitat is relatively specialized, making it more vulnerable to changes in river systems. (Earth Life)

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Interesting Facts

• Its scientific name sparsa may refer to the scattered white spots on its back. (Namibian)

• Both males and females may defend long stretches of river territory — they’re very territorial compared to many other duck species. (Allevamento Poggio di Ponte)

• In some areas, hybridization with mallards has been noted — this is one of the conservation concerns. (DeWetsWild)

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If you like, I can pull together recent research (2023–2025) on the African Black Duck (population trends, genetics, conservation). Do you want me to do that?

 

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