New Zealand scaup facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New Zealand scaup |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Male | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Aythya
|
| Species: |
novaeseelandiae
|
 |
|
| Distribution map of the New Zealand scaup (red) | |
The New Zealand scaup (Aythya novaeseelandiae) is a small diving duck. People also call it the black teal. This special duck lives only in New Zealand. This means it is endemic to New Zealand.
In the Māori language, it has several names. Some common names are papango, matapouri, titiporangi, and raipo.
Contents
What Does the New Zealand Scaup Look Like?
New Zealand scaup ducks are mostly dark brown or black. They are quite small.
The male scaup is easy to spot. He has a bright yellow eye. His head looks dark, sometimes with a greenish shine.
The female scaup looks a lot like the male. But she does not have a yellow eye. During the time they lay eggs, the female might have a white patch on her face.
When these ducks fly, you can see a white stripe on their wings. Both males and females have this stripe.
How Does the Scaup Find Food?
_KJB.JPG)
The New Zealand scaup is a diving duck. This means it dives underwater to find its food. It can stay underwater for about 20 to 30 seconds. They can even dive as deep as three meters!
They look for many different things to eat. This includes water plants and small fish. They also enjoy water snails, mussels, and insects.
Sometimes, you might see scaup ducks with Australian coots. Coots are other water birds. It is thought that the scaup ducks might follow the coots. The coots stir up food from the bottom of the water. This makes it easier for the scaup to find tasty shrimps and other treats.
Where Do New Zealand Scaup Live?
These ducks live all over New Zealand. You can find them on both the North and South Islands. They prefer deep freshwater lakes and ponds.
Unlike many other ducks, the New Zealand scaup does not migrate. This means they do not fly to different countries for winter. However, if the high-country lakes freeze over in winter, they will move. They go to open water that does not freeze.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
.jpg)
New Zealand scaup ducks usually build their nests from October to March. They choose a spot close to the water. Often, they hide their nests under banks or in thick plants.
The female duck lays about five to eight eggs. These eggs are usually cream or white in color. She lines the nest with grass and soft down feathers.
The female then sits on the eggs for about four weeks. This is called incubation. After the ducklings hatch, they are very quick learners! They start diving for their own food on their very first trip out of the nest.
See also
In Spanish: Porrón maorí para niños
