Ducks on the Central Coast: Everyday Locals with Loads of Personality
Ducks are one of the most familiar and friendly birds you’ll come across on the Central Coast. Whether you're walking around the lakes, rivers, or even through local parks, you’re bound to spot a duck or two waddling about or floating peacefully on the water. They might not seem as fancy as swans or as playful as dolphins, but ducks are full of character and a much-loved part of our local wildlife.
What kinds of ducks live here?
The most common duck you’ll see on the Central Coast is the Pacific Black Duck. These ducks have dark feathers with a greenish sheen and a distinct stripe through their eye. They’re easy-going and often seen paddling about in pairs or small groups.
You might also spot Wood Ducks, which look a bit different – they have spotted chests and often hang around grassy areas near water. Muscovy Ducks, which are larger and have red faces, also pop up in some parks and farms, though they’re not native to Australia.
Where can you see them?
Ducks are everywhere on the Central Coast! Some of the best spots to see them include:
Tuggerah Lake – especially around Long Jetty, Killarney Vale and The Entrance.
Brisbane Water – including Woy Woy Waterfront, Gosford, and Davistown.
Wyong River and Ourimbah Creek – peaceful places with plenty of ducks.
Local parks and ponds – like the Japanese Gardens in East Gosford or Rotary Park in Woy Woy.
Ducks are active during the day, so anytime you're out and about near water, there's a good chance you’ll spot a few.
What do ducks eat?
Ducks mostly eat grass, seeds, insects, and water plants. They love dabbling in the water for food and can often be seen tipping forward with their tails in the air – it’s how they reach plants underwater.
While it’s tempting to feed ducks bread, it’s actually not good for them. Bread fills them up without giving them the nutrients they need, and too much of it can lead to health problems. If you do want to feed ducks, try peas, corn, oats, or chopped lettuce – just small amounts.
Ducks and ducklings
Spring is duckling season! Around this time, you’ll often see mother ducks leading a trail of tiny fluffy ducklings across roads, through parks, or across ponds. It’s an adorable sight – and a reminder to drive carefully near water and always keep an eye out.
Ducks are very protective parents and do a great job teaching their young to swim and find food. Sadly, ducklings are vulnerable to predators and traffic, so if you see a duck family trying to cross a busy road, it’s kind to stop and let them pass (safely, of course) and if you find them in your backyard pool, place a ramp of some kind so the ducklings can get out.
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Let’s look after our ducks
Ducks are a big part of life on the Central Coast. To help keep them safe:
Don’t litter – rubbish can pollute the water and hurt ducks.
Keep dogs on leads near duck-filled areas.
Don’t feed them bread – it might feel kind, but it can do more harm than good.
Supporting Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast who care for water birds and protect breeding areas
Ducks might be common, but they’re far from boring. They bring life and charm to our parks and waterways – and life wouldn’t be the same without them.