14/06/2026
Lining my ducks up! 🤣
These are Australian Wood Ducks: These birds, also known as maned ducks, are common throughout Australia and are often found in pairs or small groups grazing in grasslands.
Some interesting facts about them:
Unlike most ducks, they are partially arboreal, meaning they frequently perch in trees and roost on branches overnight for safety. They even have specialized sharp claws on their feet to help them climb and grip bark.
They nest in tree hollows rather than on the ground. When ducklings are just one to two days old, they must leap from these high cavities—sometimes from heights of 8 meters (over 20 feet) or more—to reach their parents on the ground. They are light enough to bounce and survive the fall.
To protect their young, parents may perform a "broken wing" act, pretending to be injured to lure potential predators away from their ducklings.
These ducks typically form monogamous pairs that stay together year-round and often mate for life.
They have distinct calls; the female makes a long, rising, croaky "gnow" sound, while the male's call is shorter and higher-pitched.
