Maned Duck

1. Males have a dark brown head with a black mane; females have white facial stripes.

2. Both sexes display an upright, goose-like posture.

3. White wing patches are prominent in flight.

Primarily herbivorous, Australian Wood Ducks feed on grasses, clover, and other vegetation. Their breeding season typically spans July to December. Pairs form strong bonds and nest in tree hollows near water. Females lay 8–11 cream-coloured eggs and incubate them for about 28 days while males guard the nest. After hatching, ducklings leap from their nests to join their parents on the ground. Families stay together until fledging at around 8 weeks.

Australian Wood Ducks are widespread across eastern, southern, and southwestern Australia, including Tasmania. They prefer grassy areas near water sources such as farm dams, lakes, and riverbanks. Commonly seen grazing on short grass in parks and pastures, they spend more time on land than water and are most active during early morning and late afternoon.