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Black East Indies Duck
Domesticated |
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Anas platyrhynchos |
The East Indies is an ornamental breed of domestic duck. Sometimes called the Black East Indies, it is best known for its striking appearance: very dark, lustrous green plumage and black bills.
Interesting Information
Despite the breed's name, it was not developed in Southeast Asia, but rather in the United States in the 19th century.
Females may sometimes develop white feathers as they age.
A bantam breed weighing around 1-2 pounds (453-907 grams),
East Indies are largely kept by fanciers for exhibition purposes.
Being small in size, they are relatively good fliers.
Admitted to American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1874,
East Indies are popular among breeders.
They are generally shyer and quieter than Call Ducks.
Description
Adult Description
Length Range: 58 cm (23 in)
Weight: 1088 g (38.4 oz)
Size: 4. Large (16 - 32 in)
Color Primary: Iridescent black/green.
Underparts: Iridescent black/green.
Upperparts: Iridescent black/green.
Back Pattern: Solid
Belly Pattern: Solid
Breast Pattern: Solid
Sex Differences
Black East Indian ducks are amazing to look at, having jet black bills and a beetle green iridescent sheen to their plumage that can only be seen at certain angles as the light reflects off it. This colour gene is shared with the Cayuga, which is also from America.
Female ducks have extended black genes and as a result will get white patches on them after their first year of life.
Habitat |
Found in all wetland habitats. |
Behavior |
Dabbles, filter-feeds at surface of water, tips-up in shallow water, and makes occasional dives in deeper water. |
Food |
Insects and larvae, aquatic invertebrates, seeds, acorns, aquatic vegetation, grain. |
Taxonomy
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Anseriformes |
Family: | Anatidae |
Subfamily: | Anserinae |
Genus: | Anas |
Species: | Anas platyrhynchos |
Subspecies: | Anas platyrhynchos domestica |
Similar Species |
Cayuga Duck |