Psilos Wildfowl Photography |
Blue duck (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos) |
Found in fast flowing streams of New Zealand
this is one of the most endangered ducks in the world. It is estimated
that a population of only 2-4000 birds remain in the wild. Habitat destruction
and the introduction of predators such as stoats have all led to the
decline of this species.These are highly aggressive birds and will chase
other ducks out of their territory. This is a resident bird that does
not migrate. Their spatulate type bill is specialised in helping them
suck algae from rocks and for probing food from the stream bottom. Along
with the New Zealand Government the WWT has made good progress in their
breeding program of these birds, hopefully securing their place in the
future. |
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