Story: Wetland birds

New Zealand scaup male

New Zealand scaup male

The New Zealand scaup or pāpango is a short, round diving duck. The male is glossy dark brown and black with yellow eyes. The female is dark brown and often has a vertical white band at the base of the bill. They tend to avoid danger by diving rather than by flying.

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Photograph by Christina Troup

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How to cite this page:

Christina Troup, 'Wetland birds - Grey ducks, shovelers and scaup', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/14649/new-zealand-scaup-male (accessed 5 May 2024)

Story by Christina Troup, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015