AUSTRALIAN WOOD DUCK

The Australian Wood is a species of waterfowl native to Australia.

It is a medium-sized duck, with males and females having distinct plumage. Males have a dark brown head and neck, while their body is mostly grey with intricate black and white markings. Females have a lighter brown head and neck, with speckled grey-brown plumage on their body. Both sexes have a small crest on the back of their head.

Australian Wood Ducks are found throughout mainland Australia, including Tasmania. They inhabit a wide range of habitats, including wetlands, marshes, swamps, and grasslands. They are also frequently seen in agricultural areas and urban parks with water bodies.

They prefer areas with both water and vegetation. They nest in tree hollows, often in large eucalyptus or other tree species near water bodies. They are known to travel long distances between their feeding and breeding areas.

These ducks are herbivorous, feeding primarily on grasses, seeds, and plant matter. They graze on the ground, as well as in shallow water, using their broad bills to filter out small aquatic invertebrates and plant material.

Australian Wood Ducks form long-term monogamous pairs. They typically breed during the spring and summer months. The female lays a clutch of 8-12 eggs in a tree hollow, and both parents incubate the eggs for about a month. After hatching, the ducklings are led to water by their parents, and the family group stays together until the ducklings are independent.

Australian Wood Ducks are generally social birds, often seen in small groups or pairs. They are diurnal, being active during the day. They have a distinctive habit of perching on tree branches, especially when resting or foraging near water bodies.

They are not considered globally threatened. However, they face some threats such as habitat loss and degradation, as wetlands and grasslands are converted for agriculture or urban development.