Musk Duck (Biziura lobata)

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Image of a Musk duck in a dam
Birds Duck

Introduction

The Musk Duck (Biziura lobata) is a large, distinctive diving duck endemic to Australia. It is recognised by its dark, heavy body, stiff tail, broad bill and, in adult males, a prominent leathery lobe beneath the bill. The species spends most of its time on deep water and is often difficult to observe because it is shy, low-floating and quick to dive when disturbed.

Physical Description

Musk Ducks are heavy-bodied waterfowl measuring approximately 47–73 cm in length. Males are larger, reaching about 66 cm, while females are generally up to about 55 cm. They have a broad, triangular bill, short wings, a long and stiff tail, and legs positioned far back on the body. This anatomy provides powerful propulsion while swimming and diving but makes the birds awkward walkers on land.

Both sexes have dark grey-brown to sooty-brown plumage, with finer barring and spotting on the body and head. The underparts are paler, becoming whitish towards the abdomen. The tail may be held flat on the water or raised and fanned over the back.

Adult males develop a large, bulbous, leathery lobe beneath the bill, which becomes especially conspicuous during the breeding season. Females have a much smaller lobe, while juveniles resemble adult females but are generally paler and lack the prominent male lobe. A musky odour, produced by a gland on the rump, gives the species its common name.

Range and Habitat

The Musk Duck occurs only in Australia. Its range extends from north-western Western Australia through southern and south-eastern Australia to southern Queensland, with populations also present in Tasmania. It can occur several hundred kilometres inland where suitable wetlands are available.

The species favours deep, permanent or semi-permanent freshwater lagoons, lakes, reservoirs and swamps with dense reed or rush beds. It may also use estuaries, sheltered coastal waters and other wetlands with deep water and abundant aquatic vegetation. Birds are usually seen singly or in pairs, although larger groups may gather during winter.

Musk Ducks are generally sedentary or make local movements rather than undertaking regular long-distance migration. They can fly, often at night, but their large bodies require a long take-off run and their landings can appear clumsy.

Behaviour and Diet

Musk Ducks are highly adapted for diving. Their rear-set legs and compact wings make them more effective in water than on land, and they commonly respond to danger by diving rather than flying. They search underwater for much of their food, taking aquatic insects, crustaceans, snails, other molluscs, fish, frogs and, occasionally, ducklings. Seeds and other plant material may also be eaten, so the species is better described as predominantly animal-eating or omnivorous rather than strictly carnivorous.

Courtship and breeding

Breeding generally occurs from late winter through spring and early summer, with reported breeding periods varying geographically. The male performs an energetic display on the water, raising and fanning his stiff tail, inflating the bill lobe, splashing vigorously with his feet and throwing his head back while producing loud whistling calls. Display movements include distinctive kicks and splashing actions that have been studied in detail in captive birds.

The female builds a low, cup-shaped nest from trampled vegetation, grasses and feathers. It is usually concealed in dense reeds or other wetland vegetation. She incubates the eggs and raises the young without assistance from the male. Clutches commonly contain one to three eggs, although larger clutches have also been reported. Ducklings are precocial and can swim soon after hatching, remaining dependent on the female while they grow.

Identification Tips

  • Look for a large, dark duck that sits very low in the water.
  • The broad triangular bill, long stiff tail and heavy body are useful identification features.
  • An adult male has an obvious leathery lobe hanging beneath the bill, especially during the breeding season.
  • Females and juveniles are smaller and paler, with little or no obvious bill lobe.
  • Musk Ducks often dive suddenly when approached, sometimes leaving only ripples on the surface.
  • Displaying males may be located by their loud whistles, vigorous splashing and raised, fanned tail.
  • Compared with the Blue-billed Duck, the Musk Duck is generally heavier-bodied and has a broader, shorter-looking bill. The male Musk Duck’s large throat lobe is also a distinctive feature.

Conservation Status

The Musk Duck is currently assessed as Least Concern at global level by the IUCN Red List. This category does not mean that every population is secure. The species depends on suitable deep wetlands, and some regional populations may be affected by wetland drainage, altered water regimes, pollution, disturbance and the loss of dense marginal vegetation.

Conservation priorities include protecting permanent wetlands, maintaining adequate water levels and reed beds, limiting disturbance at important breeding sites, and preserving connected wetland habitat. Regional conservation listings can be more precautionary than the global assessment. For example, the species is listed as Vulnerable in Victoria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Musk Duck live?

The Musk Duck is found only in Australia, from north-western Western Australia across southern and eastern Australia to southern Queensland, as well as in Tasmania. It favours deep freshwater wetlands, although it also uses estuaries and sheltered coastal waters.

Is the Musk Duck a diving duck?

Yes. It is a specialised diving duck that searches underwater for most of its food. Its legs are positioned far back on the body, providing strong swimming power but making it clumsy on land.

What does a Musk Duck eat?

Its diet consists mainly of aquatic animals, including insects, crustaceans, snails, molluscs, fish and frogs. It may also eat ducklings, seeds and other aquatic plant material.

How can a male Musk Duck be identified?

The adult male is larger and has a conspicuous leathery lobe beneath the bill. During courtship he may inflate the lobe, raise his stiff tail, splash with his feet and produce loud whistling calls.

Do Musk Ducks migrate?

Musk Ducks are generally sedentary or make local movements rather than undertaking regular long-distance migration. They may move between wetlands when local water conditions change.

Is the Musk Duck endangered?

The species is classified as Least Concern globally by the IUCN Red List. However, it remains dependent on healthy deep wetlands, and some regional populations have more serious conservation concerns.

References

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