Blue-billed Duck vs Maccoa Duck

Blue-billed Duck

Oxyura australis

Large798 gWetland

The tail feathers for both the male and female are made up of thick, spine-like shafts. The tail is usually held flat on the surface of the water, or held erect when defensive. The male also holds the tail erect during courtship displays. The feet are quite powerful, which aids in swimming and diving. The duck sits low in the water in comparison to other ducks. During breeding season, apart from the aforementioned bright-blue bill, the male's head and neck are glossy black, and the back and wings are a rich chestnut.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Thekoreangothic at English Wikipedia · Public domain

Maccoa Duck

Oxyura maccoa

Large674 gWetland

As members of the stiff-tailed duck group, Maccoas are often found wading in the water with their tail feathers cocked upwards. As diving ducks, their bodies are specialized for being agile underwater swimmers and thus have sacrificed the characteristics that allow them to move well on land. As a result, their legs are set further back on their bodies which makes them awkward when walking out of water. Voice: When putting on their mating displays, males will often give out short whistles or will produce a prrrr'ing sound for 2 or 3 seconds. When feeling threatened, both males and females will emit low grunts.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Christiaan Viljoen · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Blue-billed Duck and Maccoa Duck.