Hardhead
Aythya australis

Hardheads (also known as White-eyed Ducks) are the only aythya diving ducks in Australia, belonging to the same family as the similar Ferruginous Duck. They inhabit freshwater ponds and lakes and dive to get pond weeds to eat. The males have a white eye and darker brown plumage, which marks them from the females. They mainly occur in South-eastern and South-western Australia, usually on deeper water, but will often live in more populated areas and become fairly tame. 45-60 cm.
 

1: Centennial Park, Sydney, 26/09/2009.
2 and 4: Lake Northam, Victoria Park, Sydney, 16/12/2009.
3 and 5: Lake Northam, Victoria Park, Sydney, 30/09/2009.