The American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) is native to eastern North America. Its geographical distribution primarily includes the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. It can be found from Labrador and Newfoundland in Canada down through the Atlantic coast to the southeastern United States, primarily along the Atlantic Flyway.

The American Black Duck typically inhabits freshwater and saltwater environments, including marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, and coastlines. It prefers environments with dense vegetation that provide cover and breeding sites. During migration and winter, it is often found in shallow coastal wetlands and estuarine habitats.

The species is a versatile forager, feeding on a varied diet that includes aquatic plants, seeds, invertebrates, and small fish. In its ecological niche, the American Black Duck plays a critical role in maintaining the health of wetland ecosystems by contributing to seed dispersion and controlling invertebrate populations. Its ability to exploit both freshwater and brackish environments highlights its adaptability, but it faces competition from the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) in overlapping regions.