10
The Musk-Duck.
(Biziura lobata.)
This species obtains its name from the fact that, while she is brooding, the female has a strong odour of musk. The most striking feature of the species is the very remarkable appendage to the under part of the beak. At first sight this might seem to be a pouch, but it is simply a large wart-like growth of tough skin. It is possessed by both sexes, but is rather larger in the male than in the female. The species inhabits the southern regions of Australia and also Tasmania, being found in both lakes and on the sea, where it feeds on shell-fish, worms and other aquatic creatures. The Musk Duck lays the smallest number of eggs of any species of duck, namely two.