Musk Duck
NameMusk Duck
Common NameMusk Duck
Scientific NameBiziura lobata
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)67.5
Length (cm)60
Weight (g)2000
Plumage DetailsOverall dark grey-brown to blackish plumage, often appearing mottled. Males possess a distinctive large, leathery, pendulous black lobe under the bill. Females lack this prominent lobe or have a much smaller one. The bill is dark grey.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but males produce a complex, far-carrying display call during breeding, which includes deep 'plonk' or 'thump' sounds, often accompanied by foot-slapping on the water.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southern Australia, including Tasmania. Found in the south-west of Western Australia, south-eastern South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania.
Identifying FeaturesLarge, dark diving duck, Prominent, pendulous black lobe under bill (males), Large, heavy bill, Deep-diving behavior, Often holds tail stiffly on the water
Description
The Musk Duck is a large, dark-plumaged diving duck endemic to Australia. Males are distinguished by a prominent, pendulous lobe under their bill, which is particularly noticeable during breeding displays. They are highly aquatic, spending most of their time on the water and diving for food.
