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Australian Wood Duck
Chenonetta jubata
-29.4075, 153.351
Field Notes
Description:
Also known as Maned Duck. Delicate goose-like features of this duck such as smaller pointed beak, elongated neck. Female has speckled brown & white under belly/chest, white & brown lined face, grey wings, black wing & tail edges, brown crown & neck feathers; males have darker brown head with feathers on back of head/neck that can be raised slightly, minimal speckling on chest, soft grey on wings & in some males also an iridescent green wing patch. Claws on webbed feet allow these ducks to climb to nest in preferred tree hollows. Call is soft. Feeds on grasses & soft plants.
Habitat:
Found throughout much of Australia in a variety of habitats especially close to water & grassy farmland. This one found with small family group/flock on river bank close to ocean, resting in low mangrove branches.
Notes:
Swamps, wetlands & convenient water areas had dried up recently forcing many birds to seek water elsewhere & in areas not usually frequented.
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