Family Ducks, Geese, Swans (Anatidae)
Least Concern
New Zealand Scaup (Aythya novaeseelandiae)
Taxonomy
French: Fuligule de Nouvelle-Zélande German: Maoriente Spanish: Porrón maorí
Taxonomy:
Anas novae Seelandiae
J. F. Gmelin
, 1789,New Zealand = Dusky Sound, South Island, New Zealand
.Distribution:
New Zealand: fragmented range on North I, but more widespread throughout W South I.
Descriptive notes
40–46 cm; male 630–760 g, female 530–700 g; wingspan c. 60 cm. Only male Aythya that is dark overall with yellow eye; no eclipse plumage;... read more
Voice
Considered to be generally quiet, with most vocalizations associated with displays: male gives soft... read more
Habitat
Fairly deep, large, freshwater lakes and shallow, coastal lagoons, from sea level to c. 1000 m on... read more
Food and feeding
Apparently mixed diet of aquatic invertebrates, including gastropods and insects (e.g. dragonflies, damselflies, water boatmen and... read more
Breeding
Lays mainly Oct/Nov, rarely earlier, and season can extend until Feb; ducklings mainly observed Dec–Jan. In single pairs or loose... read more
Movements
Mostly sedentary, with only small-scale movements recorded; winter congregations suggest local... read more
Status and conservation
Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Still widespread, though severely reduced during first decades of present century through hunting, which to some extent remains a... read more
Generally considered to be closest to A. collaris and A. fuligula. Hybridization with A. ferina and A. nyroca recorded in captivity. Population of North I has occasionally been separated as race maui. Monotypic.