Black East Indies Duck

Domesticated

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