Paradise Shelduck
A species of Typical Shelducks, Also known as Putangitangi Scientific name : Tadorna variegata Genus : Typical Shelducks
Paradise Shelduck, A species of Typical Shelducks
Also known as:
Putangitangi
Botanical name: Tadorna variegata
Genus: Typical Shelducks
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Description
Both females and males have chesnut-color undertails, primarily black wing feathers with green secondary wing feathers, and upper wing surface weathers that are white. They have black legs and webbed feet for swimming. Males The adult male Paradise shelduck has blue-black head and neck, with a black, rump, and tail; back and flank are lightly flecked with a pale yellow color. The males also have a dark grey flecked with pale-yellow breast. Females The female Paradise shelduck, unlike the male, has an entirely white hand head and neck with a dark grey back heavily flecked with pale yellow.
Size
71 cm
Life Expectancy
23 years
Feeding Habits
Paradise Shelduck primarily graze on pasture grasses and clover, with a dietary shift in juveniles who consume aquatic insects initially. They forage for seeds, earthworms, and crustaceans, displaying versatility as diurnal omnivores with distinct herbivorous tendencies in adults.
Habitat
Paradise Shelduck thrives in a variety of habitats that include pastoral farmlands, river valleys, tussock grasslands, and wetlands. These birds are particularly associated with hilly farmlands rich in water sources like riversides, farm dams, and natural pools. The open grassy plains in highland regions serve as their preferred breeding grounds, where they often select small wetlands including ponds, although they avoid wetlands situated in small gullies. Paradise Shelduck is also known to inhabit estuaries, coastal areas, mountain streams, and lowland flats, reflecting its adaptability to diverse environments.
Dite type
Omnivorous
People often ask
General Info
Distribution Area
New Zealand range Paradise shelduck are the most widely distributed waterfowl in New Zealand. They inhabit the North Island, South Island, offshore islands such as Little Barrier Island, Kapiti Island, Great Barrier Island, and Stewart Islands off the coast of Australia.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Waterfowl Family
Geese Genus
Typical Shelducks Species
Paradise Shelduck