The male produces a distinctive deep whistling call and inflates a large pendulous throat lobe during courtship display.
NT: Vulnerable
Endemic to Australia
Indigenous: Birraala, Bagabagaali, Kaalyuang, Kadar, Diver, Must Duck, Steamer, Diving Duck, Mould Goose
At a glance
FamilyDucks, Geese, and Waterfowl
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatMale musk ducks in the breeding season are usually unmistakable due to the large bill lobe.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from December to April.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Peter Boesman
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
112657approx records
6states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Floats very low in the water. Both sexes are dark grayish, but male has an obvious lobe of skin dangling from its chin. Bill is much shorter and heavier than Blue-billed Duck.
Behavior
Usually observed on the water, regularly diving while feeding.
Gallery
Regional timing
Queensland
Tasmania
Western Australia
Victoria
South Australia
New South Wales
Australian Capital Territory
Northern Territory