New Zealand Scaup vs Mallard
Aythya novaeseelandiae comparé à Anas platyrhynchos
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribut | New Zealand Scaup | Mallard |
|---|---|---|
| Nom scientifique | Aythya novaeseelandiae | Anas platyrhynchos |
| Ordre | Anseriformes | Anseriformes |
| Famille | Anatidae | Anatidae |
| Statut de conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Longueur | — | 58,0 cm (22.8 in) |
| Envergure | 35,4 cm (13.9 in) | 90,0 cm (35.4 in) |
| Poids | 645,5 g (22.77 oz) | 1100,0 g (38.80 oz) |
| Régime alimentaire | Dives for molluscs, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates; diet dominated by benthic hard-shelled prey in coastal … | Omnivorous — aquatic plants, seeds, insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. Feeds by dabbling, upending, and grazing … |
| Taille de la couvée | 2-13 | 4-18 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
New Zealand Scaup
Deep freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and large rivers across both main islands of New Zealand, particularly on high-country glacial lakes. Dives to depths of over 3 m for food. Forms large flocks in winter.
Mallard
Nearly any wetland habitat including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, estuaries, and urban park ponds.
Song & Call Comparison
New Zealand Scaup
Male produces a low, soft wheeze; female gives a short, harsh quack. Relatively quiet; subdued vocalizations suit this diving duck of deep, clear New Zealand lakes and reservoirs.
Mallard
Female gives the classic 'quack-quack-quack', descending in pitch. Male utters soft nasal 'raeb-raeb'. Both give a high 'gag-gag-gag' when alarmed or taking flight.
Geographic Range & Migration
New Zealand Scaup
Breeds in the boreal forests of Canada; winters on large lakes and coastal bays across the southern United States.
Mallard
Native across the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia. Introduced to Australia and New Zealand.
Statut de conservation
New Zealand Scaup
Mallard
How to Tell Them Apart
New Zealand Scaup
Males entirely black with green iridescence on head; yellow eye; dark blue-gray bill. Females dark brown with white face patches around bill base. White wing stripe in flight. New Zealand …
Mallard
Breeding males have an iridescent green head, white neck ring, chestnut breast, and grey body. Females are mottled brown. Both sexes show a blue speculum bordered by white.
Broad, flat bill — yellow-green in males, orange-brown in females
About These Birds
New Zealand Scaup
A small compact all-dark diving duck with a yellow eye in males, known in New Zealand as the 'black teal.' Endemic to New Zealand. The only native diving duck still widespread on both main islands. Gregarious; forms large flocks on deep mountain lakes.
Mallard
The mallard is the ancestor of most domestic duck breeds and the most abundant and widespread dabbling duck in the world. Males perform elaborate courtship displays including head-bobbing and whistle-grunt calls. Mallards are highly adaptable, thriving in both wilderness and urban environments.