Hardhead
Aythya australis
- Family
- Ducks, Swans, and Geese (Anatidae)
- Order
- Anseriformes
Overview
The hardhead (Aythya australis), also known as the white-eyed duck, is the only true diving duck found in Australia. The common name "hardhead" has nothing to do with the density of the bird's skull, instead referring to the difficulty encountered by early taxidermists in processing the head. Hardheads are found in wetter, coastal regions of Australia, particularly in the south-east, but are known to disperse as far afield as New Guinea, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Range and habitat
Australia including Tasmania, Vanuatu (Banks to Tanna islands), eastern Lesser Sundas, and southern New Guinea.
Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Hardhead
- eBird: sightings, maps and photos
- xeno-canto: sound recordings
- Birds of the World: full species account (subscription)
- BirdLife DataZone: status and threats
- IUCN Red List (threat status)
- AviList global checklist (taxonomy)
Last updated September 29, 2026.
