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Oxyurinae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala)
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Oxyurinae is a sub-family of the duck, goose and swan family of birds, Anatidae. Most of its members are stiff-tailed ducks, which have, as their name implies, long stiff tail feathers, which are erected when the bird is at rest. Most have relatively large swollen bills. The exception is the Black-headed Duck which looks more like a typical duck with a short tail and normal bill.
These are all freshwater diving ducks. Their legs are set far back, making them awkward on land, so they rarely leave the water.
Their unusual displays involve drumming noises from inflatable throat-sacs, head throwing, and erecting short crests. Most display singly, but Musk Ducks "lek" in groups.
In addition, the relationships of the Pink-eared Duck to this group deserve further research (Sraml et al. 1996).
- Sraml, M.; Christidis, L.; Easteal, S.; Horn, P. & Collet, C. (1996): Molecular Relationships Within Australasian Waterfowl (Anseriformes). Australian Journal of Zoology 44(1): 47-58. DOI:10.1071/ZO9960047 (HTML abstract)