PORT PHILLIP BAY


Hardhead 

Aythya australis

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

See below for information.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Chordata
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Class:
Aves
Order:
Anseriformes
Family:
Anatidae
Genus:
Aythya
Species:
australis

General Description

Body dark brown with a white belly. Bill dark with a white tip. Body up to 50 cm long.

Biology

Hardheads dive underwater to feed on aquatic plants and freshwater mussels.

Habitat

Deep freshwater and open wetlands.

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Australia.

Species Group

Birds Ducks, geese and swans

Max Size

50 cm

Diet

Omnivore

Commercial Species

Yes

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Conservation Status

  • DSE Advisory List : Vulnerable
  • EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
  • IUCN Red List : Least Concern

Author

article author Longmore, N. W.

Wayne Longmore is a Senior Collection manager of terrestrial vertebrates at Museum Victoria.

Author

article author O'Brien, R.

Rory O'Brien is a Collection Manager of terrestrial vertebrates at Museum Victoria.

citation

Cite this page as:
Longmore, N. W. & O'Brien, R., 2011, Hardhead, Aythya australis, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 29 Mar 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/7967

Text: creative commons cc by licence