29 August, 2011

New Zealand Scaup

Scientific Name: Aythya novaeseelandiae

Population Estimate: 5-10K

Range / Habitat: Endemic to New Zealand. Found year-round on deep inland freshwater lakes on both islands.

Field Notes: Small blackish diving duck with typical scaup "rubber-duckie" profile. Light blue bill with black tip in both sexes. Male glossy black with yellow eye as above. Female brownish-black with brown eye and vertical white band at base of bill. Both sexes with broad white trailing band in flight. 

Personal Notes: Seen at Lake Tutira on the North Island. Maori name Papango. 

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