Australian Wood Duck

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Australian Wood Duck - Michael Seyfort

Chenonetta jubata

Grows to between 45 and 60 cm. Dark brown head and a pale grey body with two black stripes running along the back. The female has a paler brown head with two pale stripes, one above and one below the eye.

Details
Type
Bird
Group
Animals
Duck
Other Common Names
Maned Duck, Maned Goose
Biology

Forms monogamous breeding pairs that stay together all year round. Nests in tree hollows above or near water. Breeding season is from September through to November. Between 8 and 10 eggs are laid and incubation time is 28 days. Both parents feed the young. The young leave the nest after 57 days.
Distinctive Markings

Speckled breast.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Anseriformes
Family
Anatidae
Genus
Chenonetta
Species
jubata
Widespread in Australia, including Tasmania.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

In flight, the only Australian duck with white secondary feathers and dark wingtips.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Omnivore. Grasses, clover and other herbs. Occasionally insects.
Habitat

Grasslands, open woodlands, wetlands, flooded pastures and along coasts in inlets and bays. Common in dams on farmland. Also frequent rice paddies, sewage ponds and urban parks.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Audio
Sounds
Females make a nasal "grouwwk", beginning low and rising. Males produce a higher, abrupt "now".