Hardhead

Aythya australis
Photo: Stephen Goldsworthy

Photo: Stephen Goldsworthy

Photo: Stephen Goldsworthy

Photo: Stephen Goldsworthy

Bird Description:

Australia’s only true diving duck, the Hardhead is a compact, chocolate-brown bird with a gleaming white eye (in males) and white underwings seen in flight.

Special features:

Dives deep to feed on seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates.

Did you know?:

Its odd name comes from old hunters who found its skull unusually tough — though this gentle duck would rather dive than fight.

View more information on this bird at Birdlife Australia: https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Aythya-australis

Habitat:

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Size:

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