Blue duck

The blue duck or whio (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos) is a member of the duck, goose and swan family Anatidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. It is the only member of the genus Hymenolaimus.[2]

Blue duck
Whio (Blue Duck) at Staglands, Akatarawa, New Zealand.jpg
Blue duck at Staglands, Akatarawa Valley
Conservation status
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Hymenolaimus
G.R. Gray, 1843
Species:
H. malacorhynchos
Binomial name
Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos
(Gmelin, 1789)
Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos - distribution map.svg
Synonyms

Hymenolaimus malacorhynchus ssp. malacorhynchus (Gmelin, 1789) – Collar et al. (1994)

It appears to be most closely related to the tribe Anatini, the dabbling ducks, but its exact taxonomy is unknown.[2]

The New Zealand Department of Conservation categorizes the blue duck as "Threatened: Nationally Vulnerable."[3]

Blue Duck Media

References

  1. BirdLife International (2016). "Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22680121A92844858. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22680121A92844858.en.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)
  2. 2.0 2.1 Pokley, Kalen. "Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos (blue duck)". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  3. "Blue duck Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos". Rare Species. Retrieved 10 September 2024.