Pink-eared Duck
Malacorhynchus membranaceus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="malacorhynchus-membranaceus"></birdfyi-bird>À propos
A small highly specialized duck with a large spatula-shaped bill for filter-feeding, grey-brown plumage with bold facial stripe, and a tiny pink patch behind the eye. Endemic to Australia. Highly nomadic; follows inland flooding. Expert filter-feeder on microscopic algae and invertebrates.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Envergure | 36,7 cm | 14.4 in |
| Poids | 366,25 g | 12.92 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Pale gray-brown body with bold dark brown barring on flanks. Brown-streaked crown; white face with brown eye-patch. Tiny pink ear-spot behind eye. Wide gray spatulate bill. Striped flanks diagnostic. Sexes similar.
Habitat & Range
Ephemeral and permanent inland wetlands, flooded grasslands, and claypans across Australia. Highly nomadic, following unpredictable inland flooding. Most common in the Murray-Darling Basin in flood years.
Répartition géographique
Breeds across Eurasia; winters across sub-Saharan Africa. One of the most widespread Palearctic–African long-distance migrants.
Diet & Feeding
Highly specialized filter-feeder; spatulate bill strains algae and zooplankton from turbid Australian floodwaters; tracks inland floods.
Statut de conservation
Comportement et reproduction
Nidification
Nest type: M,O. Incubation: 26 days. Fledging: 45-60 days.
Taille de la couvée
6-8
Son
Chant
A soft, high-pitched rattling 'zarr-zarr' or reedy whistle. Considered a quiet duck. Calls while feeding in shallow Australian wetlands and flooded grasslands.
Taxonomie
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordre | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Famille | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Malacorhynchus |
| Espèces | Malacorhynchus membranaceus |
Distribution
Pink-eared Duck has been recorded in 5 countries.
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External Databases
Foire aux questions
What does the Pink-eared Duck eat?
Where does the Pink-eared Duck live?
Is the Pink-eared Duck endangered?
How does the Pink-eared Duck nest?
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What order and family does the Pink-eared Duck belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family