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Hardhead (Male)
Aythya australis
-27.5006, 153.016
Field Notes
Description:
The Hardhead (aka White-eyed Duck) is the only true diving duck found in Australia, and is a member of the family Anatidae. It's a medium-sized duck which appears mainly chocolate brown when swimming, with a white undertail. In flight, the underwings are white, edged with brown. A white breast patch is obvious in flight and when standing in the shallows. The bill is pale blue on the tip. Males have a distinct white eye, while the eye is brown in females. When flying, the wings make a distinctive whirring sound. Hardheads sit low on the water and are diving ducks.
Habitat:
Hardheads are found in freshwater swamps and wetlands and occasionally in sheltered estuaries. They are rarely seen on land and tend to roost on low branches and stumps near the water. They prefer deep, fresh open water and densely vegetated wetlands for breeding.
Notes:
This duck was spotted at the lake on the University of Queensland Campus. It's a fantastic spot for waterbirds of all varieties, and is just across the river from my home. http://www.uq.edu.au/sustainability/uq-sustainability-walk PS: The last photo in this series is that of the female Hardhead. Please note the brown eye, unlike the male which is white.
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