paradise shelduck
tadorna variegata latin
paradise duck
putangitangi

Paradise Shelduck flock here during the summer season, seeking sanctuary when they become flightless during their moult.

Paradise Shelduck (Tadorna variegata)

The Paradise Shelduck (Tadorna variegata) is a large goose-like duck endemic to New Zealand.

Many of the ducks display sexual dimorphism, with the males being more brightly coloured than the females (although the situation is reversed in species such as the Paradise Shelduck).

Duck species commonly hunted include Mallard, Paradise Shelduck, Pacific Black Duck (known as Grey Ducks) and Northern Shoveler (known as Shoveler Ducks).

Southern resident species typically show less sexual dimorphism, although there are exceptions like the Paradise Shelduck of New Zealand which is both strikingly sexually dimorphic and where the female's plumage is brighter than that of the male.

It includes the Mallard Duck, Black-billed Whistling Duck, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Radjah Shelduck, Paradise Shelduck, Bar headed goose, Canada Goose, Black Swan, American White Pelican, and Chilean Flamingo.

Paradise Shelduck (Tadorna variegata)

The Paradise Shelduck (Tadorna variegata) is a large goose-like duck endemic to New Zealand.

Be ornithological at the Kiwi Birdlife Park or run to Paradise to see the Paradise duck (Tadorna variegata)