Freckled Duck

The Freckled Duck, a species endemic to Australia, is a species of waterfowl. Adults are adorned with dark grey to black plumage, sprinkled with small white flecks, which give them their name. Both sexes possess slate grey feet, legs, and bill. The young are cloaked in a uniform light grey until their 32nd week, when they molt into the adult's speckled plumage.

Identification Tips

Sexual dimorphism is evident in the Freckled Duck, with males generally outweighing females at 700-1200 grams, while females weigh slightly less. Both sexes stretch to a length of 50-60 centimeters. During the breeding season, males exhibit a culmen base that flushes with various shades of red, signaling reproductive readiness and social dominance.

Habitat

The Freckled Duck's habitat preferences bifurcate into breeding and non-breeding categories. Breeding habitats are large freshwater bodies with dense vegetation, such as flooded wetlands and swamps. Post-breeding, they gravitate towards coastal lakes, reservoirs, and ponds with minimal vegetation.

Distribution

This species is primarily found in the inland regions of Eastern Australia, with populations also in South Australia and Western Australia. Their distribution is closely tied to water availability, with significant numbers in the Paroo-Warrego and Eyre-Georgine-Mulligan catchments, among others.

Behaviour

Outside the breeding season, Freckled Ducks form flocks of 10 to 100 individuals, which disperse into smaller groups during breeding.

Breeding

Polygamous by nature, the Freckled Duck forms short-term monogamous pairs for breeding. Males defend and assist in nest construction but depart prior to egg-laying. Breeding typically occurs from September to December, though they can breed opportunistically in response to rainfall and flooding. Females are solely responsible for incubating the eggs, which are glossy, white, and uniquely thick-shelled.

Diet and Feeding

Freckled Ducks are resilient filter feeders, dining on a a range of aquatic vegetation, insects, algae, larvae, and crustaceans. They favor shallow waters for foraging, sifting sustenance from the sediment.

Conservation status

The Freckled Duck is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, its population is subject to fluctuations and is threatened by habitat destruction, drought, and misidentification by hunters. Conservation efforts are underway, with breeding programs established in various institutions to bolster their numbers.