Mike, you're spot on with the "duck/goose" reference, as the jury remains out on this one. The correct common name is probably "Maned Goose", but they've been known over time also as "Maned Duck" and "Australian Wood Duck". Anyway, "Chenonetta jubata" seems here to stay, though even scientific circles aren't without their tugs-of-war in matters of naming. These are juveniles -- the adults have more strongly defined colouring, especially the male. The latter loses the speckling on the lower abdomen and goes largely grey overall with rather striking wing markings. The female progresses towards stronger browns, with distinctive stripes above and below the eyes. Quite handsome birds, best described as a small, finely structured goose -- about the size of your average Pacific Black Duck, but a bit more slender. - Mike
This as fun, Mike. Identical twins stepping out...and even singing about it :) Nice catch. I really like the patternig and color of the feathers. Do you know what kind of duck/goose this is? MFC
