This species is also known as the Australian Wood Duck or the Maned Goose and is the only member of the genus Chenonetta . They are found throughout Australia and Tasmania, being most numerous in the eastern areas. The species is named for the male's ability to erect feathers on the back of his head to create a mane like appearance. Depsite their dull coloration, they are close relatives of the North American Wood Duck . The sexes are not alike in this species.
Males have dark brown heads with a tuft of black feathers extending down the back of the neck.
The breast is mottled , the body is light gray and the back, belly and tail are black. The hen is draber, with a lighter head and neck, but shares the mottled breast. Her overall body color is grayish-brown. Her bill, legs and feet are dark gray. Young birds are similar to the hens.