The Paradise Shelduck (Tadorna variegata) also known as the Paradise Duck, or Pūtangitangi in Māori, is a species of shelduck, a group of goose-like ducks, which is endemic to New Zealand.
This bird is common and is found over most of New Zealand. The female bird has a white head, and the male is a much darker bird. Individuals weigh between 1.4 and 1.7 kg and are about 65cm in length. Paradise Shelducks mate for life and usually live as pairs. These birds, which I take to be a bounded pair, were on the beach at Oban on Stewart Island. This species is largely herbivorous, and mostly graze on pasture grasses and clover, but have been observed eating a wide range of invertebrates.
Both of these birds were drinking and washing in a small stream (or possibly stormwater drain) that was flowing over the beach.
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Hari OM
ReplyDeleteA very smart looking bird indeed! YAM xx
Hello Stewart, thanks for sharing these beautiful critters.
ReplyDeleteAll the best!
I like the colors of the female, a patchwork of several varieties of web-footed birds!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! I love the colors of the Paradise Shelducks.
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful little duck - like all shelducks, in fact.
ReplyDeleteSuch a handsome couple. The female sure stands out with that white head!
ReplyDeleteGood looking ducks!
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