Western black duck

The western black duck (Anas californianus) is a species of large dabbling duck in the family Anatidae that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across the western United States, Mexico and Canada to help boost biodiversity. The western black duck is one of the species in the genus Anas, weighing between 720–1,640 grams (1.59–3.62 lb) on average and measuring 54–59 centimeters (21–23 inches) in length with a 88–95 centimeter (35–37 inches) wingspan. Its feathers are entirely black in color, hence its name, with a grey bill and a pair of darker-colored grey legs. It is a partially migratory species, mostly wintering in Mexico and southwestern United States, especially in coastal areas. The female lays seven to fifteen oval eggs, which have smooth shells and come in varied shades of white and buff green. Hatching takes 30 days on average. Incubation usually takes 25 to 26 days, with both sexes sharing duties, although the male usually defends the territory until the female reaches the middle of her incubation period. It takes about six weeks to fledge. Once the eggs hatch, the hen leads the brood to rearing areas with abundant invertebrates and vegetation. The conservation status of the western black duck is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the western black duck's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.