Paradise Shelduck
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The Paradise Shelduck, Tadorna variegata, is a large goose-like duck endemic to New Zealand. They are known to the Māori as Putangitangi but now commonly referred to as the "Paradise duck", and are prized game birds.
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 lead to a large increase in the numbers of these ducks.
Description:
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.
Breeding / Mating:
The Paradise Shelducks are usually live as pairs, grazing on grass and weeds, and will raid crops, particularly when molting.
Paradise Shelducks form long-term pair bonds, often lasting for life. They reach sexual maturity after two years, and build nests hidden in high grass or beneath rotting logs, and is lined with grass and feathers. Chicks fledge after eight weeks.
References
- BirdLife International (2004). Tadorna variegata. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia.org.
Diet / Feeding:
Ducks generally feed on larvae and pupae usually found under rocks, aquatic animals, plant material, seeds, small fish, snails and crabs.
Feeding Ducks ...
We all enjoy ducks and many of us offer them food to encourage them to come over and stay around - and it works! Who doesn't like an easy meal!
However, the foods that we traditionally feed them at local ponds are utterly unsuitable for them and are likely to cause health problems down the road. Also, there may be local laws against feeding this species of bird - so it's best to check on that rather than facing consequences at a later stage.
- Click here to find out which foods to feed them that will offer the nutrition they need to survive a cold winter and remain healthy
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