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- Biziura lobata
Identification
60 to 70 cm. Distinctive large, leathery lobe underneath the bill; females are 47 to 55 cm. The lobe of skin (bladder) hanging under the drake's bill gets bigger with age. During courtship the Musk Duck blows its neck and cheeks out and expands the bladder to a diameter of 100-150mm. Dark grey-brown plumage.
Distribution
Taxonomy
Habitat
Deep, still lakes and wetlands with areas of both open water and reed beds.
Behaviour
They sleep on the water at night, with the head tucked into the body or under a wing.
Diet
Water beetles, yabbies, water snails, freshwater shellfish, a variety of aquatic plants and fish.
Nesting
The female builds a platform nest of trampled plant material with a slight cup, lined with fine plant matter in tall reeds, away from land and protected by deep water. 3-4 eggs are laid.
