Plucky Ducks

They are rarer than some species of kiwi, vigorous defenders of their habitats and whistlers rather than quackers.  Our native whio, or blue duck, are a special type of bird. Whio live in clean, fast flowing rocky rivers, and for this reason are excellent indicators of New Zealand’s river health. If otherwise suitable rivers are unclean, whio will not survive. Whio parents work hard to keep their chicks in tight bunches to traverse the treacherous streams. Despite their difficult choice of home, whio are staunch defenders of their territories, which can be up to 1.5 kilometres long!

Whio bond closely with the same partner year after year, and the pair will vigorously and aggressively defend their spot, fighting off not only other whio but also larger paradise ducks and even gulls and shags. However, these plucky ducks are widely threatened as their habitats contract around them. It’s estimated that 2000 – 3000 remain in the wild, and although their habitats are fairly widespread river pollution has meant populations are fragmented and small. Habitat loss over the 20th Century through forest clearance for agriculture and changing river flows for hydro-electricity have impacted badly on the whio. Stoats and other introduced pests are also particularly keen on both whio eggs and ducklings.

There are approximately 60 whio in Taranaki, in Egmont National Park’s rocky and wild mountain streams, These have been re-introduced and are now carefully monitored. This particular male whio, pictured, is not a local – he is originally from the Marlborough region. However if we don’t care for our rivers, both in Taranaki and across the country, stuffed whio like this one will be the only reminder of our unique blue duck.