The Hardhead, also known as the White-eyed Duck, is Australia's only true diving duck, capable of extended underwater foraging.
Where to spot
Widespread across Australia and Tasmania, occasionally appearing in New Zealand. Prefers deep, permanent freshwater wetlands, lakes, rivers, and sometimes brackish coastal estuaries.
How to spot
Look for its uniform dark chocolate-brown body (males are darker with bright white eyes, females are duller with brown eyes). Its distinctive white undertail coverts are a key identification feature. Observe its active diving behavior, often remaining submerged for considerable periods.
When to spot
A year-round resident in most of its range, with some localized movements in response to water availability and breeding cycles.
Where to spot
Widespread across Australia and Tasmania, occasionally appearing in New Zealand. Prefers deep, permanent freshwater wetlands, lakes, rivers, and sometimes brackish coastal estuaries.
How to spot
Look for its uniform dark chocolate-brown body (males are darker with bright white eyes, females are duller with brown eyes). Its distinctive white undertail coverts are a key identification feature. Observe its active diving behavior, often remaining submerged for considerable periods.
When to spot
A year-round resident in most of its range, with some localized movements in response to water availability and breeding cycles.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Male Hardheads have striking white eyes, which contrasts sharply with their dark plumage, giving them a distinctive appearance and their alternative common name.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.