Endemic to New Zealand, this scaup is increasing in
numbers thanks to protection from hunting as long ago as 1934. Found in small groups on lakes and
resevoirs, a high percentage of the population gathers at a site in North Island in winter. The total
is thought to be between five and ten thousand, so it is not uncommon in its breeding areas, which cover
large parts of both islands but not Stewart Island. A very dark bird, females are similar but more
brownish and have a white blaze behind the bill, unfortunately I haven't photographed one.
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