Pink-eared Duck

Bird

The Pink-eared Duck is a small, uniquely patterned waterfowl native to Australia. Named for the tiny pink spot behind its eye, it has a specialized, shovel-like bill designed for filter-feeding on plankton and tiny aquatic organisms. Often found in shallow wetlands, this social species forms large flocks and plays an important role in maintaining healthy water ecosystems.

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SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Malacorhynchus membranaceus

FAMILY:

Anatidae

NATIONAL CONSERVATION STATUS:

Least Concern

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Fun Fact:

Its bill works like a mini vacuum cleaner! It has fine grooves called lamellae, which help filter tiny organisms from the water, making it one of the most efficient filter-feeders among waterfowl.