American Black Ducks

No other species represents waterfowl in eastern North America better than the American black duck (Anas rubripes).  Historically the most abundant fresh-water duck in eastern North America, the black duck population has declined steadily since the 1950s, reaching an all-time low in the 1980s.  The black duck has been identified in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan as a species of priority concern, which precipitated the formation of the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture in 1986 and the Black Duck Joint Venture in 1990.  Both Joint Ventures maintain stated goals to restore black duck numbers throughout their historic range, through habitat improvement and acquisition.  Black ducks also have been identified as a priority species in Connecticut.

There are a number of factors that may be contributing to the decline of the black duck.  These include changes in breeding and wintering habitat, hybridization and competition with mallard ducks, environmental contaminants, over harvest and poor productivity.  In Connecticut, urban development, human disturbance and wetland degradation are primary factors contributing to the loss of breeding and wintering habitat.  

LRWC has partnered with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Conservation (CTDEP) by providing 3 satellite transmitters for black duck research.  Funding for the transmitters was provided to LRWC by a generous grant from the Marilyn M. Simpson Charitable Lead Trust.  In February 2010, biologists trapped 3 adult male black ducks, and LRWC researchers fitted each one with a solar-powered GPS satellite transmitter.  The first black duck was captured and released off the coast at Milford Point, right next to the CT Audubon Society Coastal Center.  The other 2 black ducks were captured and released near the mouth of the Connecticut River. 

Black duck with transmitter.

Sue Sheaffer holds the black duck captured by the CT Audubon Society Coastal Center.

Release of a black duck with a satellite transmitter.

The transmitters will allow us to learn where the birds feed during the day and roost during the night.  Stay tuned and track the movements of these birds during spring migration.

Where are the black ducks?

 Click on the following links to download kmz files to view interactive maps.  You must have Google Earth installed on your computer to view the maps.               Updated: 8/24/10

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