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WetlandPlatform nestLarge · 869 g
ID tip
Hardheads are smaller than most ducks, with body length typically between 42–59 cm (17–23 in). Both sexes are similar in size, ranging 525–1,100 g (18.5–38.8 oz) with wingspans of 65–70 cm (26–28 in). Both male and female are a fairly uniform chocolate-brown above, with rufous flanks and white undersides (which are often not visible if the duck is in the water). The trailing edges and almost the entire underside of the wings are white. In the male, the eyes are a striking white, in the female, brown.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Hardhead
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is October, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Hardhead
The map shades 6 countries with regular records, and 2 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in New Zealand, Germany.
About the Hardhead
The hardhead, also known as the white-eyed duck, is the only true diving duck found in Australia. The common name "hardhead" has nothing to do with the density of the bird's skull, instead referring to the difficulty encountered by early taxidermists in processing the head. Hardheads are found in wetter, coastal regions of Australia, particularly in the south-east, but are known to disperse as far afield as New Guinea, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Ferruginous DuckAythya nyrocaThe breeding male is a rich, dark chestnut on the head, breast and flanks with contrasting pure white undertail coverts.
New Zealand ScaupAythya novaeseelandiaeThe New Zealand scaup is a small, round-bodied diving duck that have dark plumage, but both sexes are easily distinguished.
Baer's PochardAythya baeriThe Baer's pochard is 41–47 cm (16–19 in) long with a 70–79 cm (28–31 in) wingspan.
Side by side: Ferruginous Duck vs Hardhead · Hardhead vs New Zealand Scaup
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