Burdekin Ducks

Meet the Burdekin duck that is a species found in the coastal tropics of northern Australia, as well as in New Guinea and the Maluku Islands of eastern Indonesia and some of the Moluccas in eastern Indonesia. In Australia, its primary range is coastal tropical northern Australia, from central Queensland through northern Northern Territory 

(including Kakadu National Park) to the Kimberley in Western Australia. The duck is listed as a protected bird in all states of Australia and penalties exist for harming or disturbing them.

These pretty critters form long-term pair-bonds, and are usually encountered in lone pairs or small flocks. During the wet season the males commonly become very irritable, and have been observed attacking their mates. (strange behavior for sure)

The diet consists mainly of mollusks, insects, sedge materials and algae. Pairs start searching for nesting sites during the months of January and February. They nest close to their primary food source, often in the hollow limbs of trees, which makes habitat destruction a particular issue.

By what other 2 names is this beautiful duck known as?

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