15 Aug 2017 by Em
Categories: Paradise Duck
Putangitangi (poo'-tongue-y tongue-y) Paradise ducks Tadorna variegata return to Hukawai Lodge to make a family. It is assumed they live in an area all year round, and though that may be the case for this couple in the wider region, it is a returning pair that comes to Hukawai Lodge to mate and rear their young. They are not native to NZ.
Paradise ducks disperse as territorial pairs for breeding and are invariably seen as single pairs. Bonds may persist for several years which lead locals to believe they bond for life. Nearly every year though, the male is challenged by atleast one unpaired individual.
The other point of interest is the male is drab by comparison to the female, pictured here.
http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/paradise-shelduck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vDbrgt_Hhc
