Bird
New Zealand Scaup
Aythya novaeseelandiaeAlso known as Black Teal, New Zealand Black Teal
The New Zealand Scaup is a compact endemic diving duck of deep lakes and ponds. Males appear glossy black with bright yellow eyes, while females are dark brown; both dive repeatedly to feed below the surface.
diving duckNew Zealand endemicdeep-water feeder
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAquatic insect larvae, freshwater snails, small crustaceans
Predators
- stoats
- feral cats
- Australasian harriers
ThreatsWetland degradation, entanglement, shoreline disturbance, introduced predators, and poor water quality
HabitatsDeep natural lakes, reservoirs, urban ponds, and other open fresh waters with sheltered margins
Life spanUsually several years in the wild, with survival shaped by predation and wetland condition
Classification
- OrderAnseriformes
- FamilyAnatidae
- GenusAythya
- SpeciesAythya novaeseelandiae
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Feeding or chasing these ducks can alter their behavior and draw them into unsafe shoreline areas.
Responsible observation
- Watch: Follow repeated dives from shore and wait for the duck to surface nearby.
- Respect: Keep food, dogs, and watercraft away from resting flocks and nesting cover.
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