The hardhead (Aythya australis) name has nothing to do with the hardness of the duck’s cranium, but originates from the early taxidermists who found its head was the most difficult part of the duck to process. Also called the White-eyed duck, it is the only true diving duck found in Australia. Hardheads are common in the south-east of Australia, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin, but also in the wetter country near the coasts.
