General Description

The body is grey with brown mottling on the breast and some black in the wings and on the lower belly. Underside of tail black (male) or white (female). Females have a white line above and below each eye, with the brown mottling on the breast continuing to the belly. Males have a brown head and neck with a short mane of dark feathers at the back (the other common name for this species is 'Maned Duck'). The bill small and grey. Bill to tail length is up to 50 cm.

Biology

Wood Ducks spend most of their time on land that is near water rather than on the water itself. They feed by grazing on grass and other green herbage and also chase after insects. If disturbed, they fly to the nearby water for safety. Wood Ducks lay their eggs in a tree hollow, preferring a live tree adjacent to water. When nesting, they often perch on tree branches. The clutch size is usually eight to ten eggs. Once hatched, the ducklings jump out of the tree hollow en masse and 'parachute' down to the ground with their feet and wings out to slow their fall. Their parents then gather them up and take them to feed.

Distribution

Eastern and south-western mainland Australia and Tasmania.

Habitat

Freshwater wetlands, grasslands and lightly wooded areas.

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