black duck

noun

1. any of several ducks having dusky or black plumage, as Anas rubripes, of the northeastern U.S. and Canada.

Word History and Origins

Origin of black duck¹

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

If such efforts to turn farmland into high-value marsh succeed, experts say paying farmers to give up soggy fields could help wetlands migrate and enhance habitat for species such as black ducks.

From Science Magazine

Suddenly, one eagle breaks away and swoops low over the Mongaup Falls Reservoir in New York, startling a flock of black ducks that darts into the shallows.

From National Geographic

The hunting seasons for other ducks, including black ducks and pintails, ended earlier in the winter or fall.

From Washington Times

Next up, we stopped at a giant flying black duck in the town of Black Duck.

From Fox News

“Any day now the black ducks come,” he said, “and the mallards. Then we will have good meat.”

From Literature