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Paradise Duck

Putangitangi

Tadorna variegata

One of our most distinctive and widespread native birds is the Paradise Shelduck. It is one of our 'endemics' - meaning it is found nowhere else - though it has a close relative in the Chestnut-breasted Shelduck of Australia.
Shelduck are a distinct group of waterfowl, somewhere between typical duck and small geese. Like many duck species, the Paradise exhibits a marked difference between the sexes, but what is very unusual is that the female is more strikingly plumaged than her mate. She has a pure white head contrasting with mainly chestnut body; while his head and body are more uniformly dark. Both sexes in flight have conspicuous white patches on the wing. At close range - which this wary bird rarely permits - there are beautifully subtle plumage details including fine barring and flecking on back and sides, and a metallic green panel on the trailing edge of the wing. Even when the birds are not within sight their presence is often given away by their loud, unmistakeable calls: the male's a deep nasal honking, and the female's a higher wailing. One might guess it is this feature which gave the species its Maori name Putangitangi.
Paradise Shelduck have benefited from the widespread replacement of forest by pastureland, and may be seen over much of the country from sea-level to high country tussockland. Nesting in spring is mostly at ground level but can also be high up in a hollow tree. In late summer birds flock together to moult, and large congregations can be seen at ponds and coastal lagoons etc. A pair or two will often be seen or heard on or near the Mangemangeroa reserve, on surrounding farmland and even on city parks.
Bruce Keeley