Maned Duck

Overview

The maned duck, also known as the Australian wood duck or maned goose, is a dabbling duck found throughout much of Australia and is the only living species in the genus Chenonetta. This adaptable bird is widespread across the continent, including Tasmania, and has even been recorded as a vagrant or breeding pair in New Zealand.

Identification

• Size 45–51 cm, resembling a small goose.
• Male plumage is grey with a dark brown head, mottled breast, and very thin, white-and-black stripes on the sides and flanks.
• Female features white stripes above and below the eye and mottled underparts.
• Flight identification is distinct, being the only duck with white secondary feathers and dark wingtips.

Habitat

This species inhabits grasslands, open woodlands, wetlands, flooded pastures, and coastal inlets and bays, but is also common on farmland, around rice fields, and in urban parks. It is frequently found near permanent water sources such as dams, ponds, and irrigated sporting facilities, and has been introduced to parts of western Europe.

Diet

The maned duck feeds primarily on grasses, grains, clover, and other herbs, occasionally consuming insects. It prefers to forage on land or by dabbling in shallow water rather than swimming on open water, often grazing in flocks.

Did you know?

Despite being classified as a duck, it is the only living species in its genus and belongs to an early clade of diving ducks, making its closest relatives the blue duck and comb ducks. Its ducklings are precocial and leap from high tree-cavity nests to the ground to follow their parents.