Tadorna variegata

(Gmelin, 1789)

Vernacular names
English : Paradise shelduck
French : Tadorne de paradis

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species can reach 71 cm in length for a weight of 1,9 kg. Male is dark brown with fine vermiculations and black head with metallic green tinge. Female is more rufous-chestnut with less visible vermiculations and white head. Black bill.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to New Zealand where it occurs on both North and South Islands and on nearby Stewart Island. Lives from coastal areas and estuaries to rivers and mountain streams, farmland.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is widespread and common. In the past, population decreases were noted and attributed to overhunting. Hunting is carefully monitored.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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