Blue Duck
Blue Duck
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The Blue Duck, or Whio, is a unique and endangered waterfowl endemic to New Zealand, specially adapted to life in fast-flowing mountain rivers. It has distinctive slate-blue-grey plumage and a soft, fleshy bill.
Where to spot
Endemic to New Zealand. Found in clean, fast-flowing mountain rivers and streams, typically in forested areas or remote valleys of the North and South Islands.
How to spot
Look for its uniform slate-blue plumage, large orange-yellow eyes, and the unique fleshy flaps on its bill. They are highly camouflaged against the river rocks. Look for pairs or small family groups navigating rapids with remarkable ease.
When to spot
Observable year-round. Best observed during daylight hours, but finding them requires patience and exploring their specific, often remote, riverine habitats.
Where to spot
Endemic to New Zealand. Found in clean, fast-flowing mountain rivers and streams, typically in forested areas or remote valleys of the North and South Islands.
How to spot
Look for its uniform slate-blue plumage, large orange-yellow eyes, and the unique fleshy flaps on its bill. They are highly camouflaged against the river rocks. Look for pairs or small family groups navigating rapids with remarkable ease.
When to spot
Observable year-round. Best observed during daylight hours, but finding them requires patience and exploring their specific, often remote, riverine habitats.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
The Blue Duck has a uniquely specialized bill with fleshy flaps, which it uses to scrape larvae and invertebrates from rocks in rushing torrents, a feeding adaptation found in no other duck species globally.
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