Stictonetta naevosa
The Freckled Duck, *Stictonetta naevosa*, is a truly distinctive and ancient waterfowl species, often referred to as a 'living fossil' due to its unique evolutionary lineage. Averaging 50-60 cm (20-24 in) in length and weighing between 800-1200 g (1.8-2.6 lbs), this duck is characterized by its uniform dark greyish-brown plumage heavily speckled with fine white or buff spots, giving it a 'freckled' appearance. A key field mark is its large, grey, somewhat scooped bill, which develops a striki...
Found primarily in freshwater wetlands, particularly temporary or ephemeral swamps, lignum, or melaleuca-dominated floodplains with dense emergent vegetation. They prefer secluded, sheltered locations at low elevations across inland Australia.
Feeds predominantly on small aquatic invertebrates (crustaceans, insects, larvae) and a variety of aquatic plant matter, including seeds, algae, and detritus. Forages primarily by dabbling and filtering at the water's surface or by up-ending.
Generally a secretive and quiet species, Freckled Ducks are largely diurnal, spending much of their time dabbling or slowly swimming through dense aquatic vegetation. Their foraging involves filtering surface water with their specialized lamellae, up-ending, and occasionally diving to access subm...
The Freckled Duck is endemic to Australia, exhibiting a wide but sparse distribution primarily across inland southeastern and southwestern regions. Its core breeding grounds are associated with the extensive floodplains of the Murray-Darling Basin and the freshwater wetlands of southwest Western ...
Least Concern
- The Freckled Duck is considered one of the most evolutionarily distinct and primitive living waterfowl species, earning it the nickname 'living fossil'. - Unlike most ducks, it completely lacks the iridescent speculum (a colored patch on the secondary flight feathers) that is a common feature i...