General Description
Body dark grey-brown with narrow stripes. Flap of skin hanging under the chin - large in males, small and barely visible on females. Body up to 75 cm long.
Biology
Male Musk Dusks have bizarre displays: they hold their tail spread upright and over their back while uttering high-pitched sounds and splashing the water with their feet.
Habitat
Deep permanent water or open lakes.
Coastal shores
Distribution guide
South-western and south-eastern Australia.
Species Group
Birds › Ducks, geese and swans
Max Size
75 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
Wayne Longmore is a Senior Collection manager of terrestrial vertebrates at Museum Victoria.
Author
Rory O'Brien is a Collection Manager of terrestrial vertebrates at Museum Victoria.
Cite this page as:
Longmore, N. W. & O'Brien, R., 2011, Musk Duck, Biziura lobata, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 09 Oct 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/7924
