White-eyed Duck, Adelaide Zoo, South Australia

Hardhead (White-eyed Duck), Adelaide Zoo, South Australia

The White-eyed Duck is also known as the Hardhead.  I’m not sure why. If any reader can enlighten me, please do so via the comments.

White-eyed Ducks are found throughout Australia where suitable habitat exists. Their preferred habitats include permanent wetlands, lakes, reservoirs, dams and sewage ponds. They easily move around the country in response to either drought or abundant rain.

I’ve only managed to see this species in the wild state on a handful of occasions. The photo above was taken of a captive bird in one of the enclosures at the Adelaide Zoo.