BLACK DUCK
Black ducks are the most important game bird species in Merrymeeting Bay. Peak concentrations are found in the Bay from March to April and from September to November. Their habitat consists of fresh and saltwater ponds, marshes and swamps, where they feed predominately on cord grass, pond weeds, eel grass, wild celery, wild rice, etc. To a lesser extent they also feed on snails, crustacean, a few fish and their eggs.
Like many ducks, black ducks are subject to lead poisoning and oiling from man's activities.
Black
Duck Biological and Ecotoxicological
Characteristics
of Terrestrial Vertebrate Species Residing in Estuaries
Rattner & Erwin
US Geological Survey