The Paradise Shelduck (Tadorna variegata) is a large goose-like duck endemic to New Zealand. It is a shelduck, a group of large goose-like birds which are part of the bird family Anatidae. The genus name Tadorna comes from Celtic roots and means "pied waterfowl".
Known to the Māori as pūtangitangi, but now commonly referred to as the "paradise duck", it is a prized game bird. Both the male and female have striking plumage: the male has a black head and barred black body, the female a white head with a chestnut body.
The paradise shelducks usually live as pairs, grazing on grass and weeds, and will raid crops, particularly when molting.
Range map from www.oiseaux.net - Ornithological Portal Oiseaux.net
www.oiseaux.netis one of those MUST visit pages if you're in to bird watching. You can find just about everything there
BreedingParadise shelducks form long-term pair bonds, often lasting for life, and defend territories. They have a long breeding season, lasting from August through December. They reach sexual maturity after two years, and build nests lined with grass and feathers hidden in high grass, inside hollow trees, on branches of habitable trees (i.e. Macrocarpa), or beneath rotting logs. The mean clutch size is around nine eggs. Chicks fledge after eight weeks.
Male (lower pitch) and Female (higher pitch) checking out paddock - they (or their offspring) return each year.
History Before Europeans settled in New Zealand the Māori hunted paradise shelducks in favoured districts. Hunting was done outside the breeding season when the birds were molting and could not fly. During the breeding season hunting them was forbidden. This conservation and selective hunting system ensured good supplies of food.
Paradise shelducks were uncommon prior to European settlement, however changes to habitat caused by the conversion of forest to pasture, and the deliberate provisioning on ponds by hunting groups, has led to a large increase in the numbers of these ducks.
The name The genus name Tadorna comes from Celtic roots and means “pied waterfowl”, essentially the same as the English “shelduck”.
Sighted: 24 October 2017 (Date of first photo that I could use)
Location: Tawharanui Regional Park
Paradise Shelduck - Tadorna variegata - Tawharanui Regional Park - 24 October 2017
Paradise Shelduck - Tadorna variegata - Tawharanui Regional Park - 24 October 2017
Paradise Shelduck - Tadorna variegata - Western Springs, Auckland - 28 October 2017
Female Paradise Shelduck - Tadorna variegata - Western Springs, Auckland - 28 October 2017
Female and male Paradise Shelduck - Tadorna variegata - Western Springs, Auckland - 28 October 2017
Male Paradise Shelduck - Tadorna variegata - Western Springs, Auckland - 28 October 2017
Baby Paradise Shelduck - Tadorna variegata - Western Springs, Auckland - 28 October 2017
Baby Paradise Shelduck - Tadorna variegata - Western Springs, Auckland - 28 October 2017
Baby Paradise Shelduck - Tadorna variegata - Western Springs, Auckland - 28 October 2017
Male Paradise Shelduck - Tadorna variegata - Western Springs, Auckland - 28 October 2017
Going bird watching on New Zealand? I have been to a few places but so far New Zealand is outstanding regarding information on the internet. There are two organizations that are stickingout so far when it comes to information about birds and wildlife/ outdoor living. Bird information, bird song and maps. Yes, there are excellent trekking maps online so you can plan, or go back after the trek to see where you have been, excellent. I have not been disappointed.
• New Zealand's Department of Conservationwww.doc.govt.nzClick on “Nature” or just hoover with the mouse over the “Nature”
Many other places I have been to have excellent maps on site, but trying to find them onlinerendering nothing but disappointments. The New Zealand's Department of Conservation is the ONE STOP ONLY for everything regarding outdoor activities on New Zealand.
New Zealand Birds Online, there is everything you ever wish to know about the birds on New Zealand. Nothing less than fantastic. ClickHEREto down load Checklist of the birds of NZ from New Zealand Birds Online web pagenzbirdsonline.org.nz
One of the best web pages I have ever seen when it comes to birding. All the information you can ever ask for and a ONE STOP for all your needs before going bird watching on New Zealand. Range maps, sounds, information and bird lists, everything you need.
PLEASE! If I have made any mistakes identifying any bird, PLEASE let me know on my guestbook
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