Along the quieter shores of the South River and the broad expanses of the Chesapeake near Annapolis, a more secretive cousin of the mallard makes its home. The American black duck, with its rich chocolate-brown plumage and distinctive violet-blue wing patches, brings a touch of mystery to our waters. Unlike their showier mallard relatives, black ducks exhibit subtle dimorphism – both males and females wear similar dark plumage, though drakes are slightly larger and their bills tend toward olive-green while hens’ bills are more dusky.
The Chesapeake Bay serves as crucial winter habitat for these magnificent birds, with numbers swelling significantly from October through March as northern migrants join our resident population. The protected coves of the South River become especially important sanctuaries during this time, offering shelter and abundant feeding opportunities. Unlike the boldly visible mallards, these more wary ducks tend to gather in smaller, more discrete flocks, preferring secluded marshes and quiet backwaters away from human activity.
While less social than mallards, black ducks do form loose flocks during winter months, particularly in productive feeding areas along the Bay’s edges. These gatherings are especially noticeable at dawn and dusk, when birds move between resting and feeding areas. Their flight silhouettes, darker and slightly more robust than mallards, cut distinctive figures against the early morning light over Annapolis waters.
Come spring, our resident birds begin their nesting preparations while the winter visitors head north. Female black ducks show remarkable skill in concealing their nests, often choosing dense vegetation in upland areas surprisingly far from water – sometimes several hundred yards from the South River’s edge. The nest, a well-constructed hollow lined with dark down feathers, typically holds 8-12 eggs, their pale buff color standing out against the shadowy nest interior.
The species’ naturally wary nature becomes even more pronounced during breeding season. Unlike mallards, which sometimes nest in surprisingly urban settings, black ducks prefer isolated locations away from human disturbance. The quiet marshes and forested wetlands along the less developed portions of the South River provide perfect habitat for these secretive nesters.
For boaters exploring the Chesapeake’s waters around Annapolis, black ducks reward patient observation. They feed primarily by dabbling, tipping forward to reach submerged aquatic vegetation, but they’re also accomplished divers when necessary. Their preference for natural foods – including aquatic insects, mollusks, and the seeds and roots of native plants – makes them important indicators of ecosystem health.
Spring brings particular challenges for black duck families in the Chesapeake region. Unlike mallard ducklings, which readily adapt to human-modified environments, black duck mothers must guide their broods through more natural areas, often keeping to the shelter of marsh edges and vegetated shorelines. These family groups can sometimes be spotted in the quieter corners of the South River, the ducklings’ dark down making them nearly invisible against the shadowy water.
What makes these ducks especially fascinating is their status as one of the Chesapeake’s true wild spirits. While many waterfowl species have adapted to urban and suburban environments, black ducks remain steadfastly wild, their presence serving as a living link to the Bay’s more pristine past. Their continued success along our shores depends on the preservation of natural wetlands and quiet corners where they can maintain their traditional lifestyle.
So, on your next journey through the waters around Annapolis and the South River, keep a respectful distance as you scan the marshes and quiet coves for these distinguished waterfowl. Whether you’re watching a winter flock feeding in the early morning light, or glimpsing a mother duck leading her brood through a protected cove, you’re observing one of the Chesapeake’s most elegant natural treasures. In their persistent wildness and preference for unspoiled habitat, black ducks remind us of the vital importance of preserving the Bay’s remaining natural shorelines.