NEW ZEALAND's BIRDS
Blue duck
(Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos) - (Whio)
(Photo: Kiwi Wildlife Tours)
The endemic blue duck's habitat is from mountain to sea, and although most coastal/river habitat is now gone, thre are still some coastal places where this beautiful duck can be found. It is most at home in fast flowing streams and rapids where it searches for aquatic invertebrates. Although the population is estimated between 2000 and 4000 birds, it is considered threatened. We see them in Urewera National Park and the Volcanic Plateau in the North Island, Kahurangi National Park and Fiordland National Park in the South Island.
