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.
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.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in New Zealand, Germany.
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
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
Learn the Hardhead for real
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