Shoveler Duck

(Anas rhynchotis variegata)
Also known as Kuru Whengi, spoonbill, spoonie.

Live: New Zealand

Habitat: Widespread on shallow fertile wetlands preferring still water ponds and lakes fringed with Raupo or rushes, slow-moving rivers and estuaries. Rarely seen away from water or above 350m.

Diet:: In the wild: Small fresh water invertebrates and seeds from waterside plants. Sometimes worms and insects on flooded pastures. The shape of the bill's sides makes grazing of plants impossible.
Zoo diet: Duck pellet mix daily.
In the FreeFlight Sanctuary feed stations and surrounds are cleaned weekly.

Breeding: October - January.
Nest: In open grassy areas close to water, but safe from flooding.
Eggs: Up to 11 oval, creamy-white eggs sometimes blue-tinged. Female incubates them for around 25 days

Status: Endemic, game: not protected

General: Size to 48cm.
Distinguishing features: Head seems bigger, and the neck shorter, than other ducks.
Male: Blue-grey head, vertical white line in front of eye. Lower surface brown, breast darker with white edges to feathers. Obvious white patch on rear sides. Pale blue, white and green bars on wing. Upper body surface black with green gloss. Redeyes. Orange legs and feet. Long black bill broadened at tip (wedge shaped).
Female:Body mottled brown, legs and feet yellow-brown. Sits lower in the water than other ducks.

Habits: The shoveler is reported to be the fastest flying waterfowl. It is also the first New Zealand duck to take refuge from hunters on open ocean.

Ducklings: Dark head and upper body, pale yellow lower. Female is usually responsible for their care. Creches of up to 50 young birds may be left unattended. Fledge at 8-10 weeks.