Origin
Mallard Ducks were introduced from America and Europe
Found
Mallard Ducks are found all around New Zealand and many other parts of the world
Status
Mallard Ducks have been introduced and naturalised
About
Stroll through our open wetlands on walkways that meander across the water in places, allowing uninterrupted views of New Zealand’s waterbirds. You are also able to feed all of our ducks.
Introduced duck breeds you can meet at Paradise Valley Springs:
Cayuga Duck
These large ducks are named after Lake Cayuga in New York State where they were first recognised around 1850, but their exact origin is unclear. They are a very hardy domestic duck and are kept for egg and meat production, as well an ornamental bird.
Mallard Duck
Anas platyrhynchos.
The ancestor of most domestic ducks. Introduced from Europe and America for game purposes, they now make up most of New Zealand’s dabbling duck species.
The male is grey and brown with a glossy green head, whereas the female has brown speckled plumage and looks very similar to New Zealand’s endemic Grey Duck, but with orange coloured feet. Competition and hybridisation have pushed the Grey Duck to a critical conservation status, with very few pure Grey Ducks in existence.
Gallery
