These are probably the most common and well known of our ducks being found in all but the most arid regions of Australia, its range extends throughout the Pacific region. On the Capricorn Coast it can be found wherever there is water; in creeks, salt or fresh water wetlands, dams and lagoons, usually in pairs or small flocks and often with other ducks. In the wild birds are often very wary of humans and seldom allow close approach, birds in urban ponds become quite tame, however. They feed on the seeds of aquatic plants obtained by 'dabbling', where the bird plunges its head and neck underwater and upends, raising its tail out of the water and sifting the bottom for seeds, this diet is supplemented with small crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic insects
The sexes are similar and mating coincides with availability of sufficient food and water, often with the onset of heavy rains or when waterways are at their peaks, the nest tends to be built away from water and are often in tree holes. Two broods may be raised in a year and ten to 12 eggs are usually laid, the number of offspring produced may seem quite high, but only 20% of these will survive past two years of age.