180 



RIVER DUCKS. 



No. 170. 



BLACK DUCK. 



Genus: Anas. 



Species: A. obscura. 



Distribution: 



An abundant transient visitor, breeding sparingly. 



Date of Arrival: 



March and April 



Date of Departure: 



Latter part of August, through October, 



General Plumage: 



Upper parts dark brown, head darker, buff marked ; under 

 parts brownish, buff" marked, wing purple black marked. 

 Bill greenish, feet red. Length about 22.00. 



Song and Other Notes: 



Loud ' ' Quack-Quack-Quack . ' ' 



Haunts: 



Marshes, ponds and often sea. 



