Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
J23.13.w8.
B29, B30, B40, B94, B139.
D8
N1.86.w1

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Stiff-tails

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Diving Ducks (D1)

Aviculture information

Notes

• Stiff-tails are generally hardy. They are extremely aquatic and do best on large ponds of variable depth, with clean, deep water and plenty of natural food available in the form of marginal aquatic plants, while a muddy pond bottom will provide food items such as tubifex worms. Duckweed and small-sized seeds such as millet and canary seed mixtures are preferred to conventional waterfowl feeds, although wheat and pellets will be taken if natural food is scarce, for example in hard winter weather. Ample marginal vegetation (e.g. rushes, sedge, juncus reed) should be available for general cover and for nesting, with nesting rafts also provided.
• Most species are sociable and do best in groups rather than as a single pair; males will fight, but usually for only a short period, some degree of pursuit and rape of ducks is also likely. They can be very aggressive in nest site defence, therefore in mixed collections they should be kept on a water area sufficiently large for other ducks to escape.
• Stiff-tail ducklings should preferably be reared with access to water from e.g. two days old, with sufficient depth for diving provided even at an early age, although enforced drying off periods between short swims may be advisable initially. Duckweed is a useful starter food for these species, although attached daphnia and water snails may carry parasites.

(J23.13.w8, B29, B30, B40, B94).

Species-specific information:

• Natural water bodies with moderate grass-type bankside vegetation prefered. At least 1.5 metres and preferably 3 metres or more depth suggested. Heavily planted island is ideal for resting, protection from predators and nesting. Can be kept in a mixed collection with other small species or in a group, if the water area is sufficient.
• May be fed small grains (e.g. millet, budgie mix, finch mix), wheat, starter crumbs, pellets and freenfood - natural vegetation or chopped greens. Floating feed trays may be used or the feed provided in shallow water near the banks.
• Bred frequently in Australia, otherwise bred extremely rarely in captivity. A colony with a equal sex ratio or excess females is recommended. May be bred all year in Australia, peaking September to January. Nest in dense vegetation such as reeds or bulrush, on a platform above water level; will use raft for nesting. Up to four cluthches have been recorded in one year in captivity.
• Females may brood ducklings for upto 12 days in captivity.
• Ducklings easy to rear with on millet, canary seed and husk-free chick crumbs, plus duckweed. They dive and dabble for food and are often considered difficult to rear: water for diving should be provided from an early age, with food provided in/on the water.

(B8, B29, B30, B139, N1.86.w1).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average closed ring size: K 10.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Eclipse male: Similar to female, but head and neck darker, flanks more chestnut.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Independent by about five weeks old.

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Lowlands of south-western and south-eastern Australia and eastern Tasmania.

Not migratory but are dispersive, leaving the breeding grounds after breeding.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not globally threatened. Generally uncommon but locally abundant (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade