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Hardhead

(Aythya australis)
Size: 45-60 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Hardheads can be found basically anywhere on the Australian continent (with the exception of Arnhemland), but including Tasmania, wherever there is surface water.

They breed in densely vegetated swamps around lakes and billabongs. Although in principle also present in the arid centre, they will stay there only if/when there is reliable surface water, e.g. in permanent waterholes in rivers or on farm dams.

Sightings

A Hardhead was possibly spotted by us in March 2008, 50 km west of Walgett, NSW. However, due to the long distance at which the bird was spotted, its identification is uncertain.

Spotted and identified without doubt on Narrabri Lake, Narrabri, north-western NSW, in December 2008. Seen there again in August 2010, when at least 12 birds were counted. During the 2011/12 breeding season, starting in December 2011, about 20 birds were spotted by us.

Seen also on Storm Lake Dam, southern QLD, in July 2009.

Photos

Close-up lateral view of a male Hardhead

Lateral view of a male Hardhead

Here a male Hardhead seen from behind; note the peculiar colour of its bill

Close-up lateral view of a female Hardhead

Lateral view of a female Hardhead with its head turned towards the camera

Lateral view of a female Hardhead

Here one can see the slightly crooked shape of the bill

Lateral view of a pair of Hardheads

In this shot one can see him feeding while keeping a watchful eye on her

Here a pair of Hardheads seen from behind

Male Hardhead displaying its white underwing feathers and undertail coverts; it is seen here together with a Pacific Black Duck

This bird is still ruffled from its last dive

Two male Hardheads in flight, seen from underneath

Lateral view of a male Hardhead in flight

Lateral view of a female Hardhead in flight (photo courtesy of R. Druce)

Two female Hardheads in flight

Here a youngster that was seen on its own

Female bird with a clutch of about 10 chicks

One of the chicks apparently tried to climb onto mom's back

Family of Hardheads retreating into reeds

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Communal Mobility: Nomadic/dispersive Elementary unit: Pair

Hardheads are known to be diving ducks and have been observed by us to do so. They can stay under water for a considerable time and over considerable distances.

Food

Like all other geese, ducks and swans, Hardheads are vegetarian. They dive to feed on underwater plants.