Freckled Ducks (Stictonetta naevosa) are Australia’s rarest native ducks, with an estimated population of around 19,000 birds. They are mostly found in eastern Australia, with a small population in southwestern Australia. Freckled Ducks are protected by law nationwide. The bill of male Freckled Ducks has a bright red base, while the female’s bill is slate grey. Unlike many other ducks, ducklings are pale grey, and lack stripes. This year two female Freckled Ducks bred successfully in Herdsman Lake near Perth in Western Australia – one had two older ducklings and the other had three smaller ones. Both females were wary, leading their young into cover as soon as they perceived a threat.