The Pink-eared Duck of Australia is one of the most unique ducks. It has a very striking streaked pattern with a very small amount of pink behind the eye, hence the name. The striped feather pattern gives rise to another common name-the zebra duck. A shoveler-like bill and head seem to be out of proportion to the body. It is still unclear where the Pink-eared Duck fits in to the waterfowl family tree.

Pink-ears may be more numerous in the wild than commonly believed, perhaps numbering several hundred thousand, but their numbers fluctuate erratically. In drought years, large numbers shift to more coastal habitat where they are exposed to hunters. They appear reluctant to depart favored waters, exposing themselves to repeated shooting.

Because of habitat loss, a rapidly declining population in the wild and the fact that they had never been bred in captivity the Pink-eared Duck became a challenge for Mike Lubbock. In 1980, Mike organized an egg collecting expedition to Australia, which was the first time the government had allowed any eggs to leave the country. The expedition was a huge success and led to the world's first breeding of the Pink-eared Duck in a managed breeding preserve.

Today, very few aviculturalists breed these delightful birds. For those who do, it can be difficult to raise ducklings. However, a healthy flock is maintained at the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Breeding Center.

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