Paradise shelduck

Commonly seen on the grassy flats and ponds around Mansion House Bay.

Story

Hunters shoot huge numbers every year, over 200,000 in 2011, yet the population and range have grown remarkably since about 1990. They have even moved onto urban sports fields and parks.

Behaviour

Pairs stay together all year and defend a territory. They graze mainly on grass and clover. From January to March they gather at big ponds or lakes to moult, and cannot fly until their new feathers grow.