Australian Wood Duck

Description:

Also known as Maned Duck. Delicate goose-like features of this duck such as smaller pointed beak, elongated neck. Female has speckled brown & white under belly/chest, white & brown lined face, grey wings, black wing & tail edges, brown crown & neck feathers; males have darker brown head with feathers on back of head/neck that can be raised slightly, minimal speckling on chest, soft grey on wings & in some males also an iridescent green wing patch. Claws on webbed feet allow these ducks to climb to nest in preferred tree hollows. Call is soft. Feeds on grasses & soft plants.

Habitat:

Found throughout much of Australia in a variety of habitats especially close to water & grassy farmland. This one found with small family group/flock on river bank close to ocean, resting in low mangrove branches.

Notes:

Swamps, wetlands & convenient water areas had dried up recently forcing many birds to seek water elsewhere & in areas not usually frequented.