.LynEve

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This is a Paradise Duck (Tadorna variegata), also known as the Paradise Shelduck. (Pūtangitangi in Māori). They are found only in New Zealand. This is a male with the black head. Females have chestnut coloured plumage and white heads. They are usually seen in pairs. This poor fellow was alone with no sign of a mate and had no inclination to enter the pond. He was just walking about looking dejected. They are large birds, more like a goose and weigh about 1.7kg. They are usually very vocal but not this one.