There are several species of ducks native to Australia that have green coloration on their necks. The most well-known is likely the Pacific Black Duck. This common duck species is found throughout much of Australia and has an iridescent green speculum which can appear as a green patch on the neck in the right light.
Other Australian duck species with green on the neck include the Green Pygmy Goose, Maned Duck, and Green-winged Teal. There are some key differences between these ducks that help identify them. Understanding the characteristics and habitat of these unique Australian waterfowl can shed light on the question “what is an Australian duck with a green neck?”.
Pacific Black Duck
The Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa) is one of the most ubiquitous duck species found in Australia. It has a dark body with a lighter chestnut colored head and neck. The most distinguishing feature is the shiny green patch on the rear of the wing called the speculum. When the wings are folded, this speculum can appear as a glossy green area on the neck or upper back.
Some key facts about the Pacific Black Duck include:
- Length: 48-61 cm
- Wingspan: 81-95 cm
- Weight: 0.7-1.7 kg
- Sexes look similar with females slightly smaller
- Omnivorous, feeding on vegetation and invertebrates
- Found in wetlands across Australia
- Abundant species, population over 1 million
The Pacific Black Duck can be found inhabiting rivers, swamps, and lakes throughout Australia. It is primarily an omnivore, grazing on aquatic plants and small invertebrates. Nesting occurs near water in tree hollows or in a simple ground nest. Females lay between 6-15 cream-colored eggs that incubate for 28 days before hatching.
Green Pygmy Goose
The Green Pygmy Goose (Nettapus pulchellus) is the smallest waterfowl species in Australia. As its name suggests, it has distinctive green plumage including a green head and neck. Some key facts about this pint-sized duck include:
- Length: 28-33 cm
- Wingspan: 39-45 cm
- Weight: 185-300 g
- Sexes similar with females slightly smaller
- Diet is aquatic plants and some insects
- Found in the tropical north in well-vegetated wetlands
- Listed as Least Concern conservation status
The male Green Pygmy Goose has a distinctive iridescent green head and hindneck while the female’s is more olive-colored. Their small size allows them to move easily through dense reed beds and grasses where they forage. Breeding takes place in the wet season with nests built in vegetation near water. The average clutch contains 5-10 white eggs.
Maned Duck
The Maned Duck (Chenonetta jubata) earns its common name from the “mane” of black feathers present on the back of the neck of the adult male. Some quick Maned Duck facts:
- Length: 48-58 cm
- Wingspan: 80-95 cm
- Weight: 0.8-1.2 kg
- Unmistakable male has black mane, females plain grey-brown
- Diet of aquatic plants and insects
- Found in southern and eastern Australia
- Nests in long grasses near water
The male Maned Duck’s mane is erectile and used in mating displays to attract females. Females have unadorned grey-brown plumage. Their habitat includes well-vegetated lakes, swamps, and streams. They forage by dabbling in shallow water to feed on algae, grasses, and aquatic insects. Breeding takes place in the rainy season with nests built on the ground hidden in vegetation.
Green-winged Teal
The Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis) is a small dabbling duck characterized by its green and buff-colored plumage. Distinctive features include:
- Length: 34-43 cm
- Wingspan: 53-62 cm
- Weight: 220-550 g
- Male has green angular patch on side of breast
- Conspicuous vertical white bar on side of breast
- Female mottled brown overall with small green wing patch
The Green-winged Teal frequents freshwater wetlands across Australia during the breeding season and migrate north in the winter. They forage by dabbling in shallow water for plant material, mollusks, and insects. Males perform showy courtship displays and pair bonding occurs each season. Females lay 6-12 pale green eggs in nests on the ground near water.
Comparison of Green-Necked Australian Ducks
While the Pacific Black Duck, Green Pygmy Goose, Maned Duck, and Green-winged Teal all exhibit some green coloring on the neck, there are a few distinguishing features that set them apart:
| Species | Key Identifying Traits |
|---|---|
| Pacific Black Duck | Large size, iridescent green speculum, omnivorous diet |
| Green Pygmy Goose | Very small, bright green head/neck, tiny bill |
| Maned Duck | Black erectile mane on neck of male, grey-brown female |
| Green-winged Teal | Small dabbling duck, vertical white bar on breast side, green wing patch |
This comparison shows some of the distinguishing physical and behavioral traits that set these Australian duck species apart from one another. Paying attention to size, color patterns, habitat, and behavior helps properly identify which duck species has been encountered.
Conclusion
There are four main duck species found in Australia that exhibit green coloration on the neck or head – the Pacific Black Duck, Green Pygmy Goose, Maned Duck, and Green-winged Teal. While they occupy similar wetland habitats and have overlapping ranges, each species has a unique set of physical and behavioral traits for identification. Factors like size, plumage patterns, diet, courtship displays, and preferred nesting sites can be used to distinguish these green-necked ducks from one another. So next time you spot a duck with green feathers on its neck in the wetlands of Australia, check for these distinguishing characteristics to answer “what is that duck?”. With a little practice, identification becomes much easier.
References
BirdLife International. (2016). Anas superciliosa. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22680127A92887305. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22680127A92887305.en
BirdLife International. (2016). Nettapus pulchellus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22679842A92892663. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22679842A92892663.en
BirdLife International. (2016). Chenonetta jubata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22679975A92893326. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22679975A92893326.en
BirdLife International. (2016). Anas carolinensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22680422A92781676. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22680422A92781676.en
HANZAB (2021). Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/pacific-black-duck-anas-superciliosa
HANZAB (2021). Green Pygmy-goose (Nettapus pulchellus). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/green-pygmy-goose-nettapus-pulchellus
HANZAB (2021). Maned Duck (Chenonetta jubata). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/maned-duck-chenonetta-jubata
HANZAB (2021). Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/green-winged-teal-anas-carolinensis
