Maned Duck

The Australian wood duck, also known as the maned duck or maned goose (Chenonetta jubata), presents a unique visage reminiscent of a diminutive goose. This species, measuring between 45 to 51 centimeters, is notable for its grazing habits and is typically observed in flocks.

Identification Tips

Males of the species exhibit a grey plumage with a dark brown head and a mottled breast, while females are distinguished by white stripes above and below the eye, coupled with mottled underparts. Both sexes possess grey wings with black primaries and a distinctive white speculum. The juveniles bear a resemblance to the adult females but are paler with a more streaky breast.

Habitat

The Australian wood duck favors grasslands, open woodlands, and wetlands, including flooded pastures and coastal inlets and bays. It thrives in agricultural landscapes with dams and is a common sight in urban parks and near rice fields, sewage ponds, and deeper lakes.

Distribution

This species is widespread across Australia, including Tasmania, and has been known to appear as a vagrant in New Zealand, where a breeding pair was recorded in recent years.

Behaviour

The Australian wood duck is a ground forager, rarely seen on open water, and shows a preference for dabbling in shallow water or grazing in grasslands and crops.

Song & Calls

The female's call is a distinctive, loud, and rising croaky "gnow" sound, whereas the male's call is smoother, shorter, and higher-pitched. Flocks may also engage in staccato chattering.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in tree cavities or nest-boxes situated above or near water bodies, where the female lays a clutch of 9–11 cream-white eggs. The female incubates the eggs, while the male stands guard. Upon hatching, ducklings leap to the ground from the nest and follow their parents.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists primarily of grasses, grains, clover, other herbs, and occasionally insects.

Similar Species

The Australian wood duck can be differentiated from pygmy geese, which are smaller with bold white face markings, and from whistling ducks, which have longer legs and necks. In flight, it is the only duck with white secondary feathers and dark wingtips.

Conservation Status

The Australian wood duck is classified as Least Concern, with numbers on the rise due to its adaptability to various environments, including those altered by agriculture and urban development.