Pacific Black duck (anas superciliosa)
One of the most versatile Australian ducks, The Pacific black duck is found from freshwater ponds to saline mudflats.
Appearance
Unlike the name suggests, pacific black ducks have brown plumage, with a black stripe from bill to cheekbone, bordered with cream above and below, and another black stripe visible on their head. A metallic green speculum (secondary wing feather patch) can be seen on the lower half of their wings. Males and females are similar in appearance though males tend to be larger.
Distribution and habitat
Both species are commonly found throughout Australia and Victoria. Pacific black ducks can be found in wetlands, flood plains, lakes and ponds.
Diet
Pacific black ducks eat vegetation, specifically seeds from aquatic and waterside plants, and will also dabble for molluscs, crayfish and insects in the water.
Behaviour
While in the water foraging, pacific blacks display ‘dabbling’. This is where the bird plunges its upper body under the water and raises its rump vertically up. Dabbling allows them to reach deeper into the water to forage.
Breeding Season
Pacific black ducks usually breed between June and September, but can also breed during the summer months, laying seven to 12 eggs.
Australian Wood duck (chenonetta jubata)
More commonly found on land rather than in water, The Australian wood duck is highly social and often forms large flocks.
Appearance
Wood ducks have a distinctive dark brown head and neck with a pale grey body and two black stripes on the back. Females can be identified by their paler head with two white stripes framing the eye, as well as with a more speckled chest and underbody compared to the males.
Distribution and habitat
Both species are commonly found throughout Australia and Victoria. Wood ducks are rarely seen in open water. They often forage on land and are more likely to be found in open grasslands and woodlands.
Diet
Wood ducks mainly forage on land, and their diet consists of grasses, herbs and occasionally insects. They are known to dabble in shallow waters for marine vegetation.
Behaviour
Wood ducks nest in tree hollows and cavities. The hatchlings must jump from the hollow onto the ground below. As they are small and light, they can glide without fear of injury. Wood duck parents are known to feign injury when faced with a predator to divert them from the ducklings.
Breeding Season
Wood ducks usually breed between September and November, laying eight to 10 eggs.
Nesting
Ducks’ nesting behaviors are designed to help ensure safety and survival. Mother ducks deliberately select nesting sites away from usual waterways to improve the chances of their ducklings surviving infancy. These nests are often created discreetly in yards or other secluded spots, providing protection from predators during the vulnerable early stages.
In urban areas, unconventional nesting spots such as chimneys may be chosen by species like wood ducks. Suburban backyards with pools or fenced-in areas are also particularly attractive sites to nest. These settings offer both cover and access to water. Mother ducks often return to the same location each year to raise their young.
Within just 24-48 hours of hatching, mother ducks will guide them back to their home territory. Their home territory can be up to 5km away from the nesting site! This journey, often to their usual waterway, is a crucial learning experience for ducklings. During this journey, parents impart vital survival skills, teaching their young how to navigate the neighbourhood, avoid predators, and eventually find their way independently.