Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa)

The Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa) is a dabbling duck that was commonly encountered in both Melbourne and Canberra in Australia. It is a member of the genus Anas, which also includes the Mallard, and shares a similar appearance. The Pacific Black Duck has a dark brown body with a slightly paler head and a distinctive green speculum, a specialized patch of feathers on the wing that is visible in flight.

During my recent visit to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve in Canberra, I had the opportunity to observe several Pacific Black Ducks. The reserve's abundance of streams and lakes provides an ideal habitat for this species, and I was fortunate enough to spot both adults and juveniles. The juveniles were particularly engaging, with their fluffy plumage and inquisitive nature.

The Pacific Black Duck is a relatively common duck in Australia, with a distribution that extends across much of the country. It is a versatile species that can adapt to a variety of habitats, including wetlands, rivers, and even urban areas. Its diet consists mainly of aquatic plants, insects, and small crustaceans.

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus)

The Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is an iconic waterbird, a graceful and elegant species of swan native to southern Australia. Its striking appearance, characterized by its sleek black plumage, bright red beak, and contrasting white flight feathers, has made it a popular symbol of the country. While it is primarily found in Australia, the Black Swan has been introduced to several other countries, including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, where it is often kept as an ornamental bird in parks and gardens.

During my travels, I have had the pleasure of observing the Black Swan in various locations throughout Australia, including Tasmania, Canberra, and Melbourne. It is not uncommon to spot these majestic birds gliding serenely across the waters of lakes, rivers, and estuaries. They are particularly abundant in wetlands, where they find ample food and nesting opportunities.

The Black Swan is a social bird, often seen in groups of varying sizes. They are known for their long necks, which they use to reach submerged vegetation, their primary food source. Their diet also includes small fish, crustaceans, and insects.

The Black Swan's breeding season typically occurs between August and November. During this time, male and female swans form strong pair bonds and engage in elaborate courtship displays. They construct nests made of reeds and grasses, often on small islands or in shallow water. The female lays 4-6 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 35 days.

After hatching, the chicks, known as cygnets, are covered in grey down and are able to swim and feed themselves within a few days. They remain with their parents for several months before becoming independent.

The Black Swan is considered a symbol of elegance and grace, and its presence in Australia's waterways adds to the country's rich natural heritage. It is a reminder of the importance of protecting wetlands and other aquatic habitats that support this iconic species.

Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)

During my time in and around Hobart in Tasmania, I had the opportunity to observe the Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus). These gulls are notably larger than the Silver Gulls and tend to maintain a comfortable distance from humans, in contrast to their more sociable counterparts.

I observed these Kelp Gulls engaging in various activities, including graceful flights in the sky and leisurely floating on the water. Their behavior and size make them distinct from the Silver Gulls, and it was a fascinating experience to witness their interactions in their natural habitat.

These birds are widely distributed in southern hemisphere. 

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)

The hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a small and beautiful duck. Only member of genus Lophodytes, name derived form Greek lophos meaning 'crest' and dutes meaning diver. Originally described by Linnaeus in Systema Naturae as Mergus cucullatus.

They can raise or lower the crest. These birds are sexually dimorphic, with males in breeding plumage brightly colored and patterned while females are with hues of brown. They are endemic to North America, though few escape vagrants are seen in Europe. They mostly feed on Fishes, Aquatic Insects and invertebrates like crabs and crayfish.

• https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/9417638
• https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/9417630
• Hooded merganser (Wikipedia)

The Madagascan wagtail (Motacilla flaviventris)

The Madagascan wagtail (Motacilla flaviventris) is a species of wagtail in the Motacillidae family. It is endemic to Madagascar and is found throughout the island.

The diet of the Madagascan wagtail mainly consists of small invertebrates, notably insects and spiders. It forages by walking or running on the ground, moving its tail up and down in typical wagtail fashion and suddenly jumping up a few meters into the air to capture prey. Movements are very similar to wagtails I have seen in India.

References:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madagascan_wagtail