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freckled duck
Male freckled duck (Stictonetta naevosa).
Freckled duck
bird
Also known as: Stictonetta naevosa
Freckled duck, (Stictonetta naevosa), rare Australian waterfowl, characterized by dark dots scattered over its metallic-gray plumage; in breeding season the drakeās bill turns red. The freckled duck is a surface feeder. It lacks alarm calls, courtship display, and demonstrative pair bonds. It may constitute a separate tribe, Stictonettini, family Anatidae (q.v.; order Anseriformes). The duck has been classified as endangered by the Australian government, which has taken measures to protect it.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.

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