The Pacific black duck (Anas superciliosa) is usually called the grey duck in New Zealand, where it is also known by its Māori name, pārera. It gets its scientific name from Latin words meaning "duck" and "eyebrowed," which describe the prominent facial stripe above its eye. It is named "Pacific" because its native home spans across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, New Guinea, and numerous smaller islands throughout the southwestern and central Pacific region. Pacific Black Ducks can nest year-round – their breeding cycle is triggered entirely by water levels and rain. In very wet years, a single pair can raise up to three clutches, while they will completely skip breeding during droughts. Though they are dabb;ling ducks, they frequently build their nests high off the ground in hollow tree trunks.
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