Kōrero: Game birds

Wetland game birds: grey duck (2 o 7)

Wetland game birds: grey duck

The native grey duck looks similar to the mallard. The main differences are that mallard drakes have green heads, while pure grey ducks have grey rather than orange feet, pronounced eye stripes, and a green wing speculum without a border of white lines. As the two species interbreed, it can be difficult to identify a pure grey duck. Hybridisation and loss of habitat have led to a decline in grey duck populations. Pure strains are most likely to be found in remoter areas with native forest, large natural wetlands, or in the high country or back country.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

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

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Te tuhi tohutoro mō tēnei whārangi:

Neil Deans, 'Game birds - Game birds in New Zealand', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/mi/photograph/16700/wetland-game-birds-grey-duck (accessed 29 March 2024)

He kōrero nā Neil Deans, i tāngia i te 24 Nov 2008, reviewed & revised 29 Apr 2015