HARDHEAD DUCK

The Hardhead is a species of diving duck native to Australia and nearby regions. It is also known by other common names, such as the white-eyed duck or white-eyed pochard. This species is a medium-sized duck with a white eye and a dark head. The males have a black body with a brownish hue, while the females differs from the males with her brown eyes.

The Hardhead is well-adapted for diving and can often be found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and wetlands, where it dives to forage on aquatic vegetation, mollusks, and insects.

The Hardhead typically breeds in the southern parts of Australia, including Tasmania, and occasionally in the eastern regions. During the breeding season, which occurs in the spring and summer months, the male Hardheads undergo a striking transformation in their plumage. They develop a distinctive white eye and a dark head with a bright chestnut-red coloration. The female’s appearance remains more subdued with her brown plumage.

Breeding Hardheads prefer shallow freshwater habitats, such as wetlands, swamps, and lagoons. They build nests close to the water’s edge, concealed among dense vegetation. The female constructs the nest using grass, reeds, and down feathers, while the male usually remains nearby to guard her and the nest.

Once the eggs are laid, the female incubates them for about 26 to 28 days until they hatch. After hatching, the chicks are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and able to leave the nest and swim shortly after birth. However, they still depend on their parents for protection and food for some time until they are self-sufficient.

The Hardhead is a diving duck, and it uses its feet to propel itself underwater to forage for food. It feeds on a variety of aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates found in freshwater habitats.

Some Hardhead populations undertake seasonal migrations, traveling significant distances to find suitable breeding or wintering grounds.