Musk Duck

The musk duck, Biziura lobata, is a highly aquatic, stiff-tailed species endemic to southern Australia. It is the sole extant representative of its genus. Males are notably larger than females, with a body length ranging from 60 to 70 cm for males and 47 to 55 cm for females. The males are distinguished by a prominent, leathery lobe beneath their bill during the breeding season. Both sexes exhibit a rather inconspicuous dark grey-brown plumage with subtle pin-striping, and they sit very low in the water, reminiscent of a cormorant.

Identification Tips

The musk duck can be identified by its low buoyancy in water, large webbed feet positioned towards the rear, and the male's distinctive bill lobe during breeding season. Ducklings are cloaked in dark brown down. The species is distinguishable from the freckled duck by its fanned tail and from the blue-billed duck by the males' non-breeding plumage and behavior.

Habitat

Musk ducks favor deep, tranquil lakes and wetlands, where they can find both open water and reed beds. They are seldom seen on land and exhibit a preference for remaining submerged or afloat.

Distribution

This species is moderately common throughout the Murray-Darling and Cooper Creek basins, as well as in fertile, wetter regions of southwestern Western Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania.

Behaviour

Musk ducks are adept swimmers, often diving to evade predators or forage for food. They are generally solitary, except for younger birds which may form flocks. Adult males are territorial, while females and non-breeding males are less so. The species is known for its longevity and can breed well into old age.

Song & Calls

During the breeding season, males produce a unique sequence of sounds, including a ker-plonk splash, soft cuc cuc calls, a whistle, and a deep grunt. These vocalizations can be repeated for extended periods.

Breeding

Breeding season varies but typically occurs from July to January. Males do not participate in nest building or rearing the young. Females construct simple nests hidden among reeds or under overhanging vegetation. Clutch size is uncertain, but likely ranges from three to four eggs, with usually only one duckling surviving to maturity.

Similar Species

The musk duck can be confused with the freckled duck and the blue-billed duck, but can be differentiated by its tail and the male's breeding plumage.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of water beetles, yabbies, freshwater snails, shellfish, and aquatic plants, with occasional fish. They are proficient divers, often foraging in deep waters.

Conservation status

The musk duck is currently classified as Least Concern. While hunting and habitat loss have affected populations, the species is not considered at risk of extinction.

1987 speech mimicry tape rediscovered

A musk duck named Ripper gained notoriety for mimicking human speech, specifically the phrase "you bloody fool," a capability previously unrecorded in ducks.

Subspecies

There are two recognized subspecies: Biziura lobata menziesi, the eastern musk duck, and Biziura lobata lobata, the western musk duck, each with distinct geographical ranges within Australia.