Robert:
I haven't personally witness courtship displays of the Pacific
Black Duck, but what you describe isn't out of line with mating behaviours
observed in related ducks (e.g mallards). Dipping the bill into the
water is often part of the ritualized mating behaviour of several dabbling
ducks. Did you happen to notice any other displays?
Cheers, Jim
P.S. I'll keep my eyes open for dispaying Black Ducks here is Brisbane.
Dr. Wm. James Davis, Editor
Interpretive Birding Bulletin
On Sun, 16 Aug 1998, Robert Davis wrote:
> I recently observed some strange behaviour with Pacific Black Ducks. A
> breeding pair (or at least a male chasing a female) were observed at a
> local wetland. The male was chasing the female around the lake, paddling
> furiously behind her. What intrigued me however, was that as he followed
> her, he constantly dipped his beak in and out ofthe water, all the time
> remaining only a meter or so behind the female. I also observed this action
> in another wetland with two other ducks 9also Pacific Black Ducks).
>
> My hypothesis is that perhaps the female duck was stirring up nutrients by
> the paddling of her feet, and the male was following in her wake and taking
> advantage of this food source. Alternatively, could it be some sort of
> mating ritual?
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Cheers,
>
> Robert.
>
>
>
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