The New Zealand scaup, also known as the black teal, is a diving duck species of the genus Aythya endemic to New Zealand. They weigh around 650 grams (23 oz) and measure around 40 centimetres (16 in), and have dark-coloured plumage. They are found throughout New Zealand in deep natural and man-made lakes and ponds.
Region
New Zealand
Typical Environment
Found across both main islands in deep natural lakes, man-made reservoirs, and large ponds, as well as sheltered urban lakes. Prefers open, deeper freshwater where it can dive efficiently, but will use sheltered bays and slow river reaches. Nests are placed close to water in dense marginal vegetation or on small islets. Outside the breeding season, birds gather in flocks on large bodies of water and may shift locally as water levels and food availability change.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the black teal, the New Zealand scaup is a compact diving duck specialized for deep freshwater lakes. Males have striking yellow eyes and a glossy black sheen, while females are chocolate-brown with a pale face patch. They are strong divers, often staying submerged for 20–30 seconds and forming sizable winter flocks on large lakes. They readily use man-made reservoirs and urban ponds.
Watercolour of a male made by Georg Forster on James Cook's second voyage to the Pacific Ocean. This painting is the holotype for the species.
Aythya novaeseelandiae egg in the collection of Auckland Museum
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Forms loose to large flocks outside the breeding season, especially on large lakes. Typically pairs during the breeding season; nests are hidden in dense lakeside cover and lined with down. Clutches are moderate in size and both adults attend the brood, which quickly becomes adept at diving.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet; males give soft whistles and faint trills during courtship displays. Females produce low quacks and gruff calls, especially when communicating with ducklings.
Plumage
Male glossy sooty-black with purplish-green sheen; female dark chocolate-brown with a paler cheek patch. Compact, round-headed silhouette with a short tail and dense, sleek feathers adapted for diving.
Diet
Feeds primarily on aquatic invertebrates such as chironomid larvae, caddisflies, amphipods, snails, and small mussels. Also consumes seeds, buds, and leaves of submerged and emergent plants. Occasionally takes small crustaceans and other benthic prey located by diving to the lakebed.
Preferred Environment
Forages by diving in open water over submerged weed beds and along drop-offs. Frequently works the benthos of deep lakes and reservoirs, surfacing briefly between dives. Will sometimes feed along sheltered shorelines and artificial lakes in urban parks.
