Musk Duck
Biziura lobata
Lake Purrumbete, Koallah, SC Vic IMG_3315 20181217 - menziesi male in breeding plumage: large leathery lobe danglingfrom chin, heavy triangular bill, stiff tail.
Notes: Large, dark grey, chunky stiff-tailed diving duck w.
a heavy triangular bill — bill much
shorter, heavier than
Blue-billed Duck. Floats very low
in the water. Male in breeding plumage has
a large obvious leathery lobe
of skin dangling from its chin. Female smaller; male in non-breeding
plumage
very similar appearance. Ssp menziesi differs from nominate lobata
in display call but
little else. Rarely on land. Regularly dives while
feeding. Male splashing courtship display.
Range from Morcombe & Stewart©( modified)
Lake Purrumbete, Koallah, SC Vic IMG_3406 20181217 - menziesi female
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee, S Vic IMG_1520 20190430 - menziesi male
Port Fairy, S Vic IMG_3195 20181216 - menziesi female
Penny's Lagoon, N King Island, Tas IMG_1771 20211216 - menziesi female
Emu Beach, Albany, SW WA IMG_0850 20181101 - lobata male
Emu Beach, Albany, SW WA IMG_0855 20181101 - lobata female. CLICK for another pic.
Lake Purrumbete, Koallah, SC Vic IMG_3335 20181217 - menziesi juvenile: yellow edge to lower mandible, pale face.
Penny's Lagoon, N King Island, Tas IMG_1788 20211216 - menziesi female and two juveniles.
Round Lake, Lake Boga N Vic MVI_3456 20170322 - menziesi male
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee, S Vic IMG_0666 20210101 - menziesi male