Blue-billed duck

Bird

The Blue-billed Duck is one of Australia’s most striking waterfowl, with the male's bright blue bill standing out against its dark body, especially during breeding season. These elusive ducks are skilled divers, plunging beneath the surface of freshwater wetlands to hunt for seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates. Unlike many ducks, the males’ vibrant bill is used not just for feeding, but also to impress mates with bold underwater displays.

---

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Oxyura australis

FAMILY:

Anatidae

NATIONAL CONSERVATION STATUS:

Least concern

---

Fun Fact:

Despite their colourful bills, Blue-billed Ducks are often hard to spot—spending most of their time submerged, only surfacing briefly for air!