PACIFIC BLACK DUCK Anas superciliosa

Widespread and common throughout Australasia and numerous Pacific islands, but in some areas being replaced by introduced Mallards, notably New Zealand. In many Pacific island chains, such as Society, Cook, Austral, Society, Solomons and Palau among others, the subspecies pelewensis is found, which is smaller and darker with a broader eye-stripe (right-hand shot). A third subspecies has been subsumed in to the nominate. Birds are resident except some in Australia which disperse in response to local conditions. All other photos were taken in Australia.

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