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HARDHEAD (Aythya australis)

©Nigel Key Hardhead (Slimbridge April 2011)

The Hardhead, also known as the White Eyed Duck, is a diving duck and the only one found in Australia.

The Hardhead can dive deep searching for food and can often stay submerged for a minute at a time.

The Hardhead is widespread across Australia and is classed as Least Concern.

   Hear the Hardhead's Call:-
Conservation Status


Size
450mm to 600mm (18" to 23")

Appearance - Male
The male has Deep Brown plumage, White underparts and tail, the underwings are White with a Brown edging. The bill is Black with a Blue Grey stripe towards the tip and the eye is White. The legs and feet are Grey.

Appearance - Female
The female is similar but duller and has Brown eyes.

Habitat
Lakes, Swamps, Rivers, Streams, Grasslands and Pools.

Diet
Aquatic Plants and Insects, Weeds, Seeds, Molluscs and Invertebrates.

Breeding Time
August to November.

Nest
The nest is built from reeds, sticks and vegetation and trampled to create a platform. The finished nest is then lined with down.

Eggs
Quantity: 9 to 12
Colour: Creamy White.











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PHOTOGRAPHS

Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge October 2016) - pic by Nigel Key Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge May 2018) - pic by Nigel Key Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge September 2018) - pic by Nigel Key
05/10/16 23/05/18 25/09/18
Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge July 2014) - pic by Nigel Key Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge May 2015) - pic by Nigel Key Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge August 2016) - pic by Nigel Key
22/07/14 23/05/15 16/08/16
Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge May 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge July 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge September 2013) - pic by Nigel Key
25/05/13 26/07/13 04/09/13
Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge April 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge April 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge May 2013) - pic by Nigel Key
06/04/13 06/04/13 25/05/13
Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge June 2009) - pic by Nigel Key Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge April 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Hardhead (WWT Slimbridge April 2011) - pic by Nigel Key
03/06/09 09/04/11 09/04/11
Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key
Click for larger image


Related Links:-


Diving Ducks - www.slim-bridge.co.uk


You can help to protect wetland habitats in the UK and around the World by becoming a member of the WWT, visit official WWT site for details.










LOCATION

Hardhead
Breeding Habitat - Australia
Australian, Tasmania.
Winter Habitat or Migration Area
They migrate to New Guinea, New Zealand, and the Islands in the Pacific.


WWT Slimbridge Location - Hardhead
Australia Zone - WWT Slimbridge
© Nigel Key Australia Zone (WWT Slimbridge April 2011)

The Hardhead can be found in the Australian Zone, along with the following wildfowl:-
Australian Black Duck
Australian Shelduck
Australian Shoveler
Australian Wood Duck
Black Swan
Magpie Goose
Plumed Whistling Duck
Radjah Shelduck
Wandering Whistling Duck
Australian Zone (WWT Slimbridge)


WWT Slimbridge Wildfowl (Listed Alphabetically)
A-B  | C-F  | G-L  | M-R  | S-Z
Wildfowl G to L
Gadwall
Garganey
Goldeneye
Greater Flamingo
Greater Scaup
Grey-Crowned Crane
Greylag Goose
Hardhead
Hawaiian Goose
Hooded Merganser
James's Flamingo
Laysan Duck
Lesser Flamingo
Lesser Scaup
Lesser Whistling Duck
Lesser White-Fronted Goose