New Zealand Birds

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 *

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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 *

Finsch's duck 44401 Chenonetta finschi extinct late Quaternary fossil deposits Skull TH Worthy private collection