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A close relative of the Mallard, the American Black Duck is better adapted to wooded country. With the clearing of forest, it has steadily lost ground to spreading populations of Mallards. In its stronghold along the Atlantic Coast it is a hardy bird, wintering farther north than most dabbling ducks. It is among the few dabblers to prosper in tidewater areas; pairs and small parties of American Black Ducks are often seen flying over the salt marsh, their white wing linings flashing in bright contrast to their dark bodies.