Anas superciliosa superciliosa

Tonight I'm staying in Te Anau, a bustling yet spartan base for Milford Sound and several of the Great Walks that is situated along the southeast shore of the beautiful lake of the same name. I went into the DOC visitor's center this morning to casually inquire about the possibility of doing a great walk, and came out with reservations for Kepler, Routeburn, and Milford Tracks. All of a sudden I've got lots of things to do--and miles to walk--in the next three weeks.

Close to shore Lake Te Anau is sprinkled with a few waterfowl species, namely New Zealand Scaup, introduced Mallards, and this here bird, the Grey Duck. This is an endemic subspecies of the more widespread Pacific Black Duck. Given its close genetic relationship with the Mallard, the Grey Duck has hybridized extensively with its exotic cousin, to the point that relatively few pure birds exist anymore. My field guide says you might only find such true Grey Ducks in the most remote of wetlands, where Mallards haven't yet invaded. Hybridized Grey Ducks sport yellowish bills, bluish green speculums, and more muted coloring overall, all traits of the Mallard coming through. This particular female looks more Grey than many I've seen, with her dark bill and sharply contrasting facial stripes.

One of the most noticeable consequences of the species' pervasive hybridization with the mallard is the dulling of its most distinctive features. What a shame, for it is quite a unique and lovely looking duck.