Freckled Duck

Stictonetta naevosa

A Freckled Duck
Photo courtesy of Clyde Robinson & Avian Empire

Although they may be found in many parts of Australia (although only as vagrants in Tasmania), Freckled duck populations concentrate in very southwestern Western Australia and also in southeastern Australia, especially New South Wales.

Sexes are similar but in breeding season the basal third of the male's bill becomes a reddish pink. Males are also larger than females.

This is a highly gregarious species outside of breeding season. Breeding habitat is open fresh water with heavy edge vegetation. After breeding, they disperse to more coastal areas, often with little cover.