Freckled Duck
Stictonetta naevosa
The Freckled Duck (Stictonetta naevosa) is a uncommon ducks, swans, and geese found only in Australia, weighing about 903 g. The freckled duck is a waterfowl species endemic to Australia.
About the Freckled Duck
The freckled duck is a waterfowl species endemic to Australia. The freckled duck has also been referred to as the monkey duck or oatmeal duck. These birds are usually present in mainland Australia, but disperse to coastal and subcoastal wetlands in the dry period. During such times it is common for the freckled duck population to congregate in flocks in the same area, giving the impression that they are more common than they really are.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The freckled duck has a distinctive appearance. It is characterised, in adults, by dark grey to black plumage covered with small white flecks, which gives the duck the 'freckled' look. The feet, legs and bill of both sexes is of a slate grey colour. Hatchlings and juveniles are distinguished by a uniform light grey plumage, which they lose around their 32nd week when they undergo a full body moult to assume the adult plumage. The adult freckled duck is sexually dimorphic. On average, males are the larger sex, with average weight between 700 - 1200 g.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Freckled Duck can be seen all year round, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Freckled Duck?
- The freckled duck has a distinctive appearance. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Freckled Duck?
- The Freckled Duck is a large sized bird weighing about 903 g.
- Where can you see a Freckled Duck?
- The Freckled Duck is endemic to Australia, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What birds look similar to a Freckled Duck?
- The Freckled Duck is most easily confused with the Steller's Eider, the Red-breasted Goose and the Andean Goose.
- Is the Freckled Duck endangered?
- The Freckled Duck is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Freckled Duck for real
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