Australian Wood Duck

Adult males have a dark grey head, finely barred grey underparts, rich brown back and wings, and a distinct blackish lower neck and upper breast. Females have a similar pattern but feature white stripes above and below the eye and somewhat paler underparts with more pronounced spotting. Juveniles are duller and browner with less distinct markings.

Dark grey head, pale mottled cheek, short grey bill, black lower neck/breast band, and barred grey underparts.

Length: 45-51 cm, Wingspan: 75-85 cm, Weight: 700-900 g

A high-pitched, soft, descending purring call or a sharp, nasal double-note cry, particularly given in flight.

Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, clover, leaves, seeds, and sometimes aquatic insects and small invertebrates.

Found near freshwater wetlands, swamps, flooded pastures, and farmland, requiring nearby trees for nesting holes.

Generally sedentary, but may undertake nomadic movements during severe droughts to find water.

Nests in tree hollows lined with down feathers, typically near water. Lays a clutch of 9 to 13 creamy-white eggs.

Can be confused with other small ducks or geese, but its goose-like stance, grey head, and barred breast distinguish it from species like the Pacific Black Duck or Maned Duck.

Helps control aquatic vegetation and insects, and plays a role in seed dispersal through grazing and digestion.

Least Concern, with a stable population trend.

Look for them grazing on lawns, pastures, and wetlands, or perched high in dead trees near water sources. They are relatively approachable and tolerant of humans.

Despite being called a wood duck, they spend a significant amount of time grazing on open grasslands rather than wooded areas, and their ducklings leap from high tree hollows to the ground shortly after hatching.