Hardhead vs New Zealand Scaup

Hardhead

Aythya australis

Large869 gWetland

Hardheads are smaller than most ducks, with body length typically between 42–59 cm (17–23 in). Both sexes are similar in size, ranging 525–1,100 g (18.5–38.8 oz) with wingspans of 65–70 cm (26–28 in). Both male and female are a fairly uniform chocolate-brown above, with rufous flanks and white undersides (which are often not visible if the duck is in the water). The trailing edges and almost the entire underside of the wings are white. In the male, the eyes are a striking white, in the female, brown.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Patrick_K59 · CC BY 2.0

New Zealand Scaup

Aythya novaeseelandiae

Large682 gWetland

The New Zealand scaup is a small, round-bodied diving duck that have dark plumage, but both sexes are easily distinguished. They have black legs and webbed feet for swimming, and they spend a lot of time underwater, where they can also travel considerable distances. They measure around 40 centimetres (16 in) in length and weigh around 695 grams (24.5 oz) for males, and around 610 grams (22 oz) for females. The male has dark black-brown plumage with a striking yellow eye and a dark coloured (greenish) head.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: clarely · CC0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Hardhead and New Zealand Scaup.