11001-44401 Finsch's duck (Chenonetta finschi) extinct. Once a terrestrial grazer of grassland and open woodlands, it is one of the most common species in late Quaternary fossil deposits in the eastern districts of both islands. It probably became extinct 400-500 years ago, however, in 1875 a report of a flightless, reddish-brown goose-like bird, caught by dogs near Opotoki, may have been this bird. Local Maori at the time, claimed it was formerly common, and a great delicacy! A sister species to the Australian wood duck, or maned goose (Chenonetta jubata). This skull is from TH Worthy's private collection *
DSC_1873 Australian wood duck, or maned goose (Chenonetta jubata) male, a straggler to NZ with fewer than 20 records, typically from the South Island, and Snares. A sister species to New Zealand's extinct Finsch's duck (Chenonetta finschi) *
DSC_1850 Australian wood duck, or maned goose (Chenonetta jubata) male in flight, a straggler to NZ with fewer than 20 records, typically from the South Island, and Snares. A sister species to New Zealand's extinct Finsch's duck (Chenonetta finschi) *
