Australian wood duck
Scientific name: Chenonetta jubata
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Compact dabbling duck with sexually dimorphic plumage. Males display dark iridescent green head, chestnut breast, and grey flanks; females are brown-grey with pale eye-stripe and spotted breast.
Size and weight
Males 45–47 cm, 650–750 g; females 41–44 cm, 550–650 g.
Habitat
Favours freshwater swamps, lakes, and river systems with woody vegetation and overhanging branches. Found from sea level to moderate elevations in well-watered regions.
Distribution
Eastern and southeastern Australia from coastal Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria, and into South Australia; prefers vegetated permanent or semi-permanent freshwater systems.
Diet
Primarily aquatic vegetation, seeds, and fallen fruit; also grazes on grass and clover in open areas, with composition varying seasonally by water levels and plant availability.
Behaviour
Crepuscular feeder, most active at dawn and dusk; pairs or small flocks year-round; perches readily on branches and logs, often found roosting in trees at midday.
Hunting tips
Look for pairs or small groups on calm water near dense timber; fresh droppings on logs and branches indicate roosting sites. Approach from downwind and use available vegetation for cover; these ducks flush readily, so position before dawn or dusk when they move between roost and feeding sites.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.