Hymenolanimus malacorhynchos
Range
They are found in New Zealand.
Habitat
They live on fast flowing rivers.
Body Traits
They are about 20 inches long and slate blue, which helps them blend into their river habitat. They have a special thick edge to their lower bill for scraping insect larvae off rocks to eat.
Habits
They are great swimmers, even in the strong currents of rivers. They are active in the early morning and late evening, feeding and defending their habitat from other ducks. They are preyed on by weasels (stoats), dogs and cats, which were introduced to New Zealand.
Diet
They eat the early stages of water insects (larvae).
Reproduction
Females lay between 4- 9 eggs. She keeps them warm (incubates) them until they hatch in a little over a month.
