New Zealand Scaup

Aythya novaeseelandiae

The New Zealand Scaup is a medium-sized diving duck native to New Zealand. It has a distinctive dark plumage with a glossy green sheen on the head and a bright yellow eye. These ducks are commonly found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and estuaries, where they dive to feed on aquatic plants, small fish, and invertebrates. They are known for their strong diving abilities, often staying submerged for extended periods. The New Zealand Scaup is a social bird, often forming large flocks during the non-breeding season. Despite being widespread, they face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and predation, leading to a conservation status of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Habitat: Freshwater lakes, ponds, estuaries