WETLAND WATERFOWL
New Zealand is home to the two rarest Waterfowl species in the world.
The Whio and the Pateke are struggling for their survival.
At DU we are committed to seeing these wonderful birds succeed. In addition to these amazing birds New Zealand waterways are home to a vast number of bird and animal life.
Canada Geese
The distinctive and well-known Canada goose is a North American native that has been extensively introduced to UK.
Teal
The brown teal/pāteke is a small dabbling duck endemic to New Zealand. They are the rarest waterfowl on the mainland.
Mute Swan
The mute swan is a species of swan and a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is native to much of Eurasia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa.
Black Swan
The black swan is a species of swan which breeds mainly in the southeast and southwest regions of Australia. The species was reintroduced to New Zealand in the 1860s.
Bittern
The endangered matuku inhabits wetlands throughout New Zealand. DOC is focusing on developing methods for surveying bittern systematically and for restoring wetlands .
Pūkeko
The pūkeko is probably one of the most recognised native birds in New Zealand with its distinctive colourings and habit of feeding on the ground.
Takahē
From an era when large flightless birds were spread throughout New Zealand, the takahē has clung to existence despite the pressures of hunting, habitat destruction and introduced predators.
Whio release program
The blue duck/whio is only found in New Zealand. It is a nationally vulnerable species and faces a risk of becoming extinct.