Paradise shelduck- Tadorna variegata -Putangitangi

Female paradise ducks are unusual in that they are brighter than the males, and completely different colours. The female is this rich chestnut brown, with the white head, while the male is much darker, grey, with brown flashes on the wings.

They are almost always seen in pairs, and are hard to get close to without disturbing other birds as they set up a loud calling noise as soon as they realise someone is close by.

This one was feeding on the grass, while her mate swam in the river.

These birds are endemic to NZ, mate for life and sadly are shot as a game bird. Fortunately they have responded well to European settlement, and are more numerous now than in earlier times, due to the clearance of forest and planting of pasture.