The Australian Wood Duck (Chenonetta jubata) is a common Australian dabbling duck.
The Australian Wood Duck is grey with a dark brown head and mottled black and white chest, with mainly white feathers. The male has a patch of bright green feathers towards the tail. It has grey wings with some black feathers. The female has white stripes above and below the eye, and is predominantly brown, speckled with white.
Australian Wood Duck (male)
It can grow to about 51 centimetres (20 inches) tall.
The Australian Wood Duck is found in grasslands, open woodlands, wetlands, floodlands, and along the coast in inlets and bays. It is also common on farmlands. It prefers shallow water.
It eats grass, grain, herbs, and sometimes insects.
It nests in tree cavities. Females lay 9-11 cream-white eggs.
Australian Wood Duck (male)
Australian Wood Duck (male)
Australian Wood Duck (male)
Australian Wood Duck (male and female)
Australian Wood Duck (female)
Australian Wood Duck (female)
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM