Nature conservation

Threatened species

Freckled Duck - profile

Indicative distribution

Key:
known
predicted
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Stictonetta naevosa
Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerableexternal link
Commonwealth status: Not listedexternal link
Profile last updated: 18 Mar 2022

Description

The Freckled Duck is a dark, greyish-brown bird with a large head that is peaked at the rear, and a distinctive narrow, slightly up-turned bill. Their dark brownish-black plumage is evenly freckled all over with white or buff. During the winter-spring breeding season, the male’s bill becomes crimson at the base.

Distribution

The Freckled Duck is found primarily in south-eastern and south-western Australia, occurring as a vagrant elsewhere. It breeds in large temporary swamps created by floods in the Bulloo and Lake Eyre basins and the Murray-Darling system, particularly along the Paroo and Lachlan Rivers, and other rivers within the Riverina. The duck is forced to disperse during extensive inland droughts when wetlands in the Murray River basin provide important habitat. The species may also occur as far as coastal NSW and Victoria during such times.

Habitat and ecology

  • Prefer permanent freshwater swamps and creeks with heavy growth of Cumbungi, Lignum or Tea-tree. During drier times they move from ephemeral breeding swamps to more permanent waters such as lakes, reservoirs, farm dams and sewage ponds.
  • Generally rest in dense cover during the day, usually in deep water. Feed at dawn and dusk and at night on algae, seeds and vegetative parts of aquatic grasses and sedges and small invertebrates.
  • Nesting usually occurs between October and December but can take place at other times when conditions are favourable.
  • Nests are usually located in dense vegetation at or near water level.

Regional distribution and habitat

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Threats

Recovery strategies

Activities to assist this species

Information sources