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Story: Wetland birds

Whio in turbulent water

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Whio in turbulent water

A whio (blue duck) pair launch their ducklings in a turbulent stretch of water. Young whio hatch with unusually large feet and strong legs, so they cope surprisingly well in swift-flowing torrents.

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10029790

by Rod Morris

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How to cite this page

Christina Troup, Wetland birds – Whio – blue ducks, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/14634/whio-in-turbulent-water (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Christina Troup, published 1 March 2009.