About the Blue Duck
The blue duck or whio is a member of the duck, goose and swan family, Anatidae and is endemic to New Zealand. It is the only individual species belonging to the genus Hymenolaimus. Its closest relatives are the ducks in the genus Sarkidiornis.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The blue duck is 50–55 cm (20–22 in) long and varies in weight by sex. Females are smaller than males, weighing 680–870 g (24–31 oz), whereas the males weigh 820–970 grams (29–34 oz). The plumage is a dark slate-grey with a greenish sheen on the head, a chestnut-flecked breast. The outer secondaries are tipped with white and the inner ones have black margins. The plumage of the two sexes are mostly the same, although the female has slightly less chestnut in the chest. Voice: The male's call is a high-pitched whistle. The female's call is a rattling growl or low-pitched grating notes.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Blue Duck lives
When to see the Blue Duck
Peak activity in November · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Sunda TealAnas gibberifronsThe Sunda teal, also known as the Bebek cokelat or Itik benjut, is a dabbling duck found in open wetlands in Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
Andaman TealAnas albogularisThe species is dark brown with buffy markings.
Baer's PochardAythya baeriThe Baer's pochard is 41–47 cm (16–19 in) long with a 70–79 cm (28–31 in) wingspan.
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