Musk Duck

1. Males feature a prominent leathery lobe under the bill that swells during breeding.

2. Both sexes float low in the water, with only their head, neck, and upper back visible.

3. Their stiff tail and triangular bill distinguish them from other ducks like the Blue-billed Duck.

Musk Ducks are adept divers, feeding primarily on aquatic invertebrates such as yabbies, mollusks, snails, and occasionally small fish. They can dive for up to 30 seconds and descend to depths of around 6 meters. Breeding occurs from September to December; males perform elaborate displays involving splashing, whistling, and tail movements to attract females. Females build concealed nests in dense vegetation near water and uniquely feed their ducklings by bringing food items to the surface.

Musk Ducks inhabit deep freshwater wetlands across southeastern and southwestern Australia, including Tasmania. They prefer areas with abundant aquatic vegetation like Typha (bulrush) or lignum during breeding season but may move to larger water bodies such as coastal lagoons outside this period. These ducks are solitary and secretive, often seen diving repeatedly far from shore early in the morning.