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Pink-eared Duck

(Malacorhynchus membranaceus)
Alternative names: "Zebra Duck", "Pink-eyed Duck", "Widgeon"
Aboriginal name: "wilidhubaay" [yuwaalaraay]
Size: 38-45 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Given the right conditions, i.e. the availability of surface water, Pink-eared Ducks can be found over large parts of the Australian continent. The major exception is the most arid part, from roughly the Nullarbor via the Pilbara region in WA to the Kimberleys. Not found in the central parts and the northern tip of Cape York either. Only occasional spottings in Tasmania.

Especially during the breeding season Pink-eared Ducks are often found on inland floodwaters, such as ephemeral lakes.

Sightings

We first spotted a pair of Pink-eared Ducks on a dam 20 km west of Barraba, NSW, in August 2008.

Next seen by us at Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve in April 2011.

Subsequently, a small family was spotted by us at Goran Lake, an ephemeral lake about 30 km south of Gunnedah, NSW, in April 2011. About 10 birds were seen at the same location in October 2011. In December 2011, after more substantial rainfall in the catchment, their numbers had risen to about 250.

Photos

Lateral view of a pair of Pink-eared Ducks

Four Pink-eared Ducks having a snooze together with three Grey Teals; note that no pink dots are visible - we do not know whether this is to be expected; the photo was taken at the end of the breeding season

Pink-eared Ducks feeding in shallow water

Adult Pink-eared Duck with three ducklings on Goran Lake

Pink-eared Ducks resting in close proximity to several other species of aquatic birds; they formed part of a flock of about 250 birds in total

Lateral view of a Pink-eared Duck in flight; the photos show two different phases of the wingbeat

Pink-eared Ducks in flight, together with Grey Teals

Frontal view of a flock of Pink-eared Ducks in flight

Behaviour

We have seen Pink-eared Ducks stay together with Grey Teals on several occasions (see e.g. above the photo of the flock in flight).

These pages are largely based on our own observations. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.