Fauna
Bird

Freckled Duck

Stictonetta naevosa

Also known as Monkey Duck, Oatmeal Duck

Freckled Ducks are ancient, highly distinctive Australian waterfowl easily recognized by their dark slate-gray plumage finely dusted with white specks. During the breeding season, males develop a striking, bright crimson patch at the base of their scooped, upturned bill. They prefer dense, inland temporary swamps, moving toward permanent coastal wetlands when inland waters dry up during major droughts.

WaterfowlEndemicAustralian
Freckled Duck reference1 / 7
(c) Graham Winterflood, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Graham Winterflood · cc-by-sa
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAquatic plant seeds, Green algae, Aquatic invertebrates
Predators
  • Red Fox
  • Whistling Kite
  • Feral Cat
ThreatsWetland drainage, drought, river regulation, and accidental shooting during duck hunting seasons
HabitatsDense inland swamps, flooded timber, vegetated wetlands, and coastal estuaries
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. FamilyAnatidae
  2. SpeciesStictonetta naevosa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for a dark, heavily speckled body with a high-peaked head and a distinctive scoop-shaped bill.
Support conservation
Maintain a respectful distance on shorelines and avoid driving watercraft through shallow wetland roosts.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Use a field scope or telephoto lens near wetland edges to observe without flushing them from dense cover.
  • Seasonal timing: Look for males displaying their brilliant crimson bill bases during late winter and spring breeding displays.
  • Hunting season care: Give roosting flocks wide berth during open duck hunting seasons to reduce stress on congregating birds.
Related species
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