New Zealand scaup

bird

Also known as: Aythya novaeseelandiae

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

The New Zealand scaup (Aythya novaeseelandiae) is one of three species of diving ducks belonging to the genus Aythya. These birds are also known as bay ducks and are part of the family Anatidae.12

The New Zealand scaup is distinct from the greater scaup (A. marila) and the lesser scaup (A. affinis), which are found in the Northern Hemisphere. While the greater and lesser scaup are popular game birds and difficult to distinguish in the field, the New Zealand scaup is a separate species native to New Zealand.1

Scaup ducks are generally round-bodied with large heads and are known for their diving abilities, feeding primarily on aquatic plants or shellfish. Males typically have dark breasts and grayish backs, with variations in head iridescence between species. Females are usually brown with white patches near their blue bills.231

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scaup
The third species is the New Zealand scaup (A. novaeseelandiae). In flight, the white stripe on the rear of the wing extends almost to the wingtip in the greater scaup and only halfway in the lesser scaup.
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The third species is the New Zealand scaup (A. novaeseelandiae). In flight, the white stripe on the rear of the wing extends almost to the wingtip in the greater scaup and only halfway in the lesser scaup.
Read More