About the New Zealand Scaup
The New Zealand scaup, also known as the black teal, is a diving duck species of the genus Aythya endemic to New Zealand. They weigh around 650 grams (23 oz) and measure around 40 centimetres (16 in), and have dark-coloured plumage. They are found throughout New Zealand in deep natural and man-made lakes and ponds.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the New Zealand Scaup lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Australia, United Kingdom.
When to see the New Zealand Scaup
Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Baer's PochardAythya baeriThe Baer's pochard is 41–47 cm (16–19 in) long with a 70–79 cm (28–31 in) wingspan.
Ferruginous DuckAythya nyrocaThe breeding male is a rich, dark chestnut on the head, breast and flanks with contrasting pure white undertail coverts.
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