New Zealand Birds

11001-41805 Blue duck, or whio (Hymenoliamus malacorhynchos) male watching his territory near the nest, from a mid-river boulder. Recent genetic work suggests whio are unique within the Anatinae subfamily. Unlike all other NZ waterfowl, both living and extinct, they have no Australian relatives. Upper Arthur Valley, Fiordland *

Blue duckwhio41805Hymenoliamus malacorhynchosmalemountain duckguarding