Step into the world of our pārera (grey ducks) and unlock the wonders of these extraordinary creatures
The pārera (grey duck) is similar to a female mallard ducks in appearance, and most birds now show signs of hybridisation with mallards.
Pārera (grey ducks) are usually found in pairs. They tend to stay in or near rushes at the edge of ponds and lakes and like other Anas species, feed by upending.
Ducklings swim soon after the last one hatches and dries out. They rarely spend more than an hour on the water at a time, with the female brooding them after each swim to restore body heat.
Until about 1960 pārera (grey ducks) made up 95% of New Zealand’s dabbling duck population, but now are estimated to number only 500,000 compared with 5 million mallards!
Quick facts
Distribution:
Endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand
Habitat:
Mainly shallow wetlands and fresh water streams, brackish or saline estuary
Conservation Status:
Endangered