Story: Duck shooting

Grey duck (2nd of 4)

Grey duck

The native grey duck looks similar to the female mallard duck, and as the two species interbreed, it can be difficult to identify pure grey ducks. The grey duck’s speculum feathers (on the outside of its wing) are green – a mallard’s are blue. Hybridisation and loss of habitat have led to a decline in grey duck populations. Pure strains are most likely to be found in Northland, Waikato and Gisborne, and on the West Coast.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10031502
Photograph by C. D. Roderick

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How to cite this page:

Harvey C. Perkins and Bob Gidlow, 'Duck shooting - History of duck hunting', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/17652/grey-duck (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by Harvey C. Perkins and Bob Gidlow, published 24 Nov 2008