Australian Wood Ducks or Maned Ducks

The Australian Wood Ducks (Chenonetta jubata) – also known as Maned Duck – is a dabbling duck that is commonly seen throughout much of Australia.

It inhabits lightly wooded swamps and marshes.

Description

The Maned Duck measures between 45 – 51 cm in length, including its tail. It somewhat resembles a small goose,

Both male and female have grey wings with black primaries (longest wing feathers) and a white speculum (= distinctive wing patches).

The male has a mostly grey plumage, except for the dark brown head and mottled breast.

The female looks similar, but can be identified by the white stripes above and below the eye and mottled underparts.

Breeding / Nesting

The Maned Duck typically nests in tree cavities. The average clutch consists of 8 – 12 eggs.

Diet / Feeding

They mostly feed on plant matter attained by grazing. They rarely swim.


More Duck Resources

Australian Wood Duck family
Maned Duck family

Australian Wood Ducks

Diet / Feeding

Ducks generally feed on larvae and pupae often found under rocks, as well as aquatic animals, plant material, seeds, small fish, snails and crabs.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

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