The Musk Duck (Biziura lobata) of Australia is a bulky and unusual-looking member of the stiff-tailed duck group. Its large webbed feet are situated well back on the body and its unique tail has a collection of long, stiff feathers which can be held in fan-shaped. The most striking feature is the distinctive large, leathery lobe of skin under the bill of the mature male, this sac increases in size during the breeding season. The female has a much-reduced lobe under the bill which is only visible at a short distance. Another oddity is that during breeding season, the plumage of the male is usually oily and gives off a strong musky odour – hence the species common name! This oil can even be observed on the surface of the water during the exhausting and noisy displays as the males tries to attract a coterie of females.
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