Free-Roaming Ducks
Meet the native waterbirds that choose to call Trowunna home.
Wild Visitors at Trowunna
Not every animal you see at Trowunna lives within an enclosure. Our sanctuary provides habitat for many wild native species that are free to come and go.
Among our regular visitors are several species of native duck. They make use of Trowunna's waterways, grassy areas and surrounding habitat for feeding, resting and raising their young.
Keep an eye out as you explore the sanctuary — you may be able to identify several different species during your visit.
Australasian Shelduck
Tadorna tadornoides
One of Australia's largest ducks, the Australasian Shelduck is a striking waterbird often found around lakes, wetlands, grasslands and open country.
Look for: A dark head and chest, chestnut-coloured body and bold white markings. Males and females have noticeably different plumage.
Diet: Grasses, aquatic plants, seeds and small invertebrates.
Australian Wood Duck
Chenonetta jubata
Australian Wood Ducks are commonly seen grazing on land, often some distance from water. They favour grasslands, wetlands, farmland and open woodland.
Look for: A compact goose-like shape. Males have a dark brown head, while females have distinctive pale stripes above and below the eye.
Diet: Mainly grasses, herbs and other vegetation.
Pacific Black Duck
Anas superciliosa
Pacific Black Ducks are one of Australia's most familiar native ducks and can be found on wetlands, rivers, lakes, dams and other waterways.
Look for: A dark stripe through the eye bordered by lighter facial markings and mottled brown plumage.
Diet: Aquatic plants, seeds and small aquatic animals.
Grey Teal
Anas gracilis
Grey Teal are small native ducks that occur across Australia and are highly mobile, travelling between wetlands as conditions change.
Look for: Mottled grey-brown plumage, a pale throat and a relatively small, neat appearance.
Diet: Seeds, aquatic vegetation and small aquatic invertebrates.
Chestnut Teal
Anas castanea
Chestnut Teal favour wetlands, estuaries and sheltered waterways and are particularly common in southern Australia.
Look for: Adult males have a glossy dark-green head and rich chestnut body. Females are more subtly patterned in mottled brown.
Diet: Seeds, aquatic plants and small invertebrates.
Did You Know?
Ducks use different feeding strategies depending on the species. Some spend much of their time grazing on land, while others feed by dabbling in shallow water.
A dabbling duck often feeds by tipping forward with its tail in the air while reaching underwater vegetation and small aquatic animals with its bill.
Why Are They Free-Roaming?
These ducks are wild birds. They are not confined to Trowunna and are free to arrive, leave and move around the sanctuary naturally.
Their presence is a reminder that wildlife sanctuaries can provide valuable habitat not only for animals in care, but also for wild species living throughout the surrounding landscape.
Healthy Habitats Support Wild Wildlife
Wetlands, ponds, grasslands and native vegetation provide food, shelter and breeding opportunities for a wide variety of native birds.
By maintaining habitat within the sanctuary, Trowunna can support free-roaming wildlife alongside the animals involved in our conservation, rehabilitation and education programs.
Seeing wild animals choose to use these spaces gives visitors another opportunity to observe natural behaviour and discover the diversity of Tasmania's wildlife.
How You Can Help
- Protect wetlands, ponds and native vegetation.
- Keep rubbish, fishing line and plastics out of waterways.
- Keep dogs under control around native waterbirds.
- Give nesting birds and ducklings plenty of space.
- Avoid feeding wild ducks bread or processed human food.
- Observe wildlife quietly and allow birds to move away if they choose.
Wildlife Welfare Comes First
The ducks you see roaming Trowunna are wild animals and should be allowed to behave naturally.
Please do not chase, touch, catch or deliberately approach them. Never separate adults from their ducklings, and do not feed free-roaming birds unless specifically advised by a Trowunna wildlife keeper.