Pink-eared Duck

Malacorhynchus membranaceus(Latham, 1801)

Updated 21 March 2026

Also known asWinyu-winyu

Least ConcernEndemic

Order: ANSERIFORMES
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Malacorhynchus

At a glance

The Pink-eared Duck is a large bird, about 36–45 cm long, listed as Least Concern and endemic to Australia. It can be seen year-round.

Size: 36–45 cm
Conservation status: Least Concern
Origin: Endemic
Best seen: Year-round
Commonness: Endemic

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

What does a Pink-eared Duck look like?

The Pink-eared Duck is a large bird, about 36–45 cm long and weighing 272–480 g, identified by its bold black-and-white 'zebra' barring on flanks; massive, spatulate grey bill; large black 'bandit' mask on white face; and tiny, bright pink 'ear' spot.

A small, distinctive duck with bold zebra-like barring, a large square-ended spatulate bill, and a small pink spot behind the eye. Highly nomadic and specialized for filter-feeding.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

01
Bold black-and-white 'zebra' barring on flanks
Coarse, vertical bars cover the sides of the body, creating a striking pattern highly visible from a distance.
02
Massive, spatulate grey bill
Unmistakably large and wide-tipped bill, unique among Australian ducks. Flexible skin flaps at the corners are often visible at close range.
03
Large black 'bandit' mask on white face
A dark patch runs from the bill, through the eye, and towards the nape, contrasting sharply with the white face and throat.
04
Tiny, bright pink 'ear' spot
A very small but vivid pink patch located just behind the dark eye mask. Often difficult to see except at close range.

Field specs

Length: 36–45 cm
Weight: 272–480 g
Wingspan: 57 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

Watch for a unique 'vortexing' movement on the water's surface where pairs spin rapidly in tight, head-to-tail circles.

flight

In flight, look for a conspicuous white trailing edge on the wings and a prominent white crescent-shaped band across the rump.

plumage

Do not rely on the namesake pink spot for field identification as it is rarely visible; instead, look for the striking dark brown eye-mask contrasting sharply against a bright white face.

size_and_shape

The massive, square-ended bill is nearly the same length as the head, creating a unique, front-heavy profile even when seen in silhouette.

voice

Listen for a distinctive, high-pitched musical whistling or chirruping call, which is frequently vocalized by flocks in flight and is unlike the harsh quacking of most ducks.

03 · When

When to look

When can you see a Pink-eared Duck?

The Pink-eared Duck is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

What does a Pink-eared Duck eat?

The Pink-eared Duck feeds on seeds and fish/invertebrates, usually foraging in pairs or flocks.

06 · Gallery

Plumage up close

6 photos

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