2

Musk Duck

(Biziura lobata)
Alternative name: "Mould Goose"
Aboriginal names: "benalla", "berallah", "nakkare", "pelde", "tatea", "bagabagaali" [yuwaalaraay], "biraala" [gamilaraay]
Size: male 60-70 cm; female 47-55 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Similar to Blue-billed Ducks, Musk Ducks are found only in the south-eastern and south-western parts of the Australian continent. Their range comprises basically all of Tasmania, VIC, NSW and the southernmost part of QLD, as well as the easternmost part of SA (including Innamincka), plus the south-west corner of WA.

Musk Ducks are often found in densely vegetated swamps (both fresh water and saline) and also on open lakes.

Sightings

The first sighting of Musk Ducks was in March 2008 on two dams in the area of Leigh Creek/Copley in South Australia, on the western side of the central Flinders ranges.

In October 2010 a female bird was seen on Narrabri Lake, Narrabri, NSW. Its identification (i.e., the distinction from a female Blue-billed Duck) was secured by comparison of the bills of the two species (see photos below).

Twitcher's tip

The females of Blue-billed Duck and Musk Duck can be hard to distinguish. The most prominent difference is the shape of the bills. The female Blue-billed Duck has a typical "duck-like" bill, while that of the female Musk Duck is much more triangular and more reminiscent of a goose's bill.

Photos

Lateral view of a male Musk Duck, with its lobe clearly visible

Lateral view of a female Musk Duck; note the distinctive tail with stiff, pointed feathers

Here the same bird as above, seen from behind

Musk Duck going for a dive

A moment later the distinctive tail is sticking out of the water like a whale's fluke

Lateral view of a female Musk Duck lying lower in the water than shown above

Habits

Musk Ducks are excellent divers which can move 50 or more meters in a single long dive.

Food

Like all other geese, ducks and swans, Musk Ducks are vegetarian. They feed on underwater plants.