What is a Platypus?
The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is one of Australia’s most unusual animals. It has a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and lays eggs — but it’s actually a mammal. Platypuses live in rivers and streams in Australia and are excellent swimmers.
Listen to a Platypus
Watch a Platypus
They Have Duck Bills – The platypus has a soft, rubbery bill that helps it find food underwater. It can sense tiny electric signals from prey, like shrimp and worms.
They Lay Eggs – Even though they are mammals, female platypuses lay eggs instead of giving birth to live babies. Once the eggs hatch, the mother feeds her babies with milk.
They Have Poison – Male platypuses have sharp spurs on their back legs that can release venom. It’s not dangerous to humans, but it can be very painful.
They Can Close Their Eyes Underwater – Platypuses shut their eyes, ears, and nose when they dive. They use their bill to sense food instead of seeing it.
They Have Webbed Feet – Platypuses have webbed feet like ducks, which help them swim quickly in the water. When walking on land, they fold their webbing back to reveal tiny claws.
Platypuses are carnivores, meaning they eat other animals.
Favourite Foods:
- Shrimp
- Insects
- Worms
They scoop up food from the riverbed using their bill and store it in their cheek pouches before eating.
- Swimming: They use their front webbed feet to paddle through the water, while their back feet and tail help steer.
- On Land: They tuck their webbing away and use their claws to walk on muddy riverbanks.
How They Keep Safe
- Venom Spurs: Males can defend themselves with their venomous spurs if threatened.
- Hidden Homes: Platypuses live in burrows near the water, keeping them safe from predators like foxes and snakes.
- Silent Swimmers: They move through the water quietly, making it hard for predators to find them.
Platypuses are usually quiet animals, but they still have ways to communicate.
- Body Movements – Platypuses use their body language to interact. For example, they may touch bills or chase each other during mating season.
- Scent Marking – Males release special scents to attract females and warn other males to stay away from their territory.
- Soft Sounds – While rare, some platypuses make low growling or clicking sounds, especially during mating or when feeling threatened.
- Ripples in the Water – When swimming, platypuses create ripples that other platypuses might notice, helping them sense movement nearby.
Since they are mostly solitary animals, they don’t “talk” much, but they still find ways to communicate when needed.
- They help keep rivers and streams healthy by eating insects and small animals.
- They are one of the only egg-laying mammals, making them super special!
- Platypuses are a unique symbol of Australia’s amazing wildlife.
Platypuses live in freshwater rivers, creeks, and lakes in eastern Australia, including:
- Rainforests
- Bushland
- Mountain streams
Platypuses are shy and mostly active at night, so spotting one in the wild is a rare and exciting experience.
Would you like to see a platypus in the wild? Keep an eye on calm rivers and creeks early in the morning or at night—you might just spot one gliding through the water.
