AUSTRALIAN DUCK 
SUPERCILIOSA Gmelin 
(Plate 24) 
Synonymy 
Anas superciliosa Gmelin, Linne’s Systema Naturae, ed. 13, vol. 1, pt. 1, p. 537, 1788. 
Anas leucophrys J. R. Forster (nec Vieillot), Descriptiones Animalium, p. 93, 1844. 
Anas mulleri Bonaparte, Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. Paris, vol. 43, p. 649, 1856. 
Anas superciliaris E. L. and E. L. C. Layard, Ibis, ser. 4, vol. 4, p. 233, 1880. 
Additional synonymy under Geographical Races. 
Vernacular Names 
English: Black Duck, Australian or Australasian Wild Duck, Brown Duck, Gray 
Duck. 
French: Canard a sourcils blancs. 
German: Australische or Australasische Wildente, Augenbrauen Ente. 
West Australian: Gwoom-nan-na, Mara or Koona. 
New Zealand: He-turvera, Parera, Muamu. 
Celebes: Kiti-balang. Bismarck Archipelago: Mbolom. 
Pelew Islands: Atababar, Tabarr. Society Islands: Mora. 
Samoa Islands: Toloa, Doloa. Tonga Islands: ToXosi. 
New Caledonia: Nia. Fiji Islands: Ngaloa. 
DESCRIPTION 
Adult Male: In general appearance it bears a close resemblance to Anas rubripes, from which it 
can be told at once by its very black face-striping and its green speculum. General plumage above 
dark brown, the feathers edged with buff; lower parts uniform dark brown or gray-brown, the 
margins of the feathers edged also with buff. Top of head black, or nearly so, merging into gray on 
the hind neck; below this a narrow buff line. Below this and extending from lores through and behind 
'eye, a broad black or blackish band. The rest of the face, chin and throat light buff, except for 
minute streaks here and there condensed into a band running back from angle of jaw. Wing-specu- 
lum like that of Anas rubripes but green instead of purple. Axillars and under wing-coverts white. 
Iris hazel-brown. Bill plumbeous, with the nail black. Legs yellow-brown to yellowish, webs dusky. 
Wing 247-272 mm.; bill 48-54; tarsus 43-49. 
Weight 2 pounds or a little more (0.90 -f kilograms). 
Adult Female: Similar to male, but slightly smaller. 
Immatures in First Plumage: No specimens available. 
