WHIO INFORMATION

APPEARANCE

• Blue ducks have big webbed feet that helps them get through fast flowing water.
• At the end of their bill they have a lip that protects their bill when feeding amongst the rocks.
• Whio have pale white bills and bright yellow eyes.
• The feathers are a blue and grey colour but on its chest there are brown feathers.
• The colour of the feathers make them very well camouflaged so they can blend well with rocks.
• Adults are around 53cm in length.
• Males weigh 1kg whereas females weigh approximately 0.8kgs.
• Ducklings are born black and white with a dark green sheen making them hard to identify in the water.

HABITAT

• Blue duck live in places such as rivers with boulders and streams located in forests. They also like places with good quality water, low sediment loading's and stable banks.

HABITS

• Early morning and late afternoon is when Whio are most active.
• The hide during the day in places like logs, caves and other places similar to that.
• The eat the insect larvae of bugs such as Mayfly, Caddisfly and Stonefly.
• The dive underwater and scrape off the insect larvae of the rocks.
• Whio defend their territory which is usually around 1km long.

YOUNG

• Nesting occurs between August and November.
• When the ducklings have hatched both parents stay with it for 8-10 weeks before the ducklings start a more independent life.
• The eggs are a creamy white colour.
• The mother sits on the eggs for around one month.

THREATS

• Stoats are one of the biggest threats to Whio, because they attack the female and then they take the eggs.
• Domestic dogs, ferral cats and ferrets are also a threat to whio.
• Possums and rats are capable of taking the eggs.
• Habitat loss is also a big part of the reason why most Whio die.

WHAT IS BEING DONE TO HELP?

• Not so much rules but guide lines have been put in place to kepp the whio safe such as:
• People should look at them from a long distance.
• Keep the environment clean.
• When camping make sure to take everything with you.
• Also in 2013 four Whio were released in Alfred River. They were checked on daily and now monthly and are also protected by traps so they can nest with a successful outcome.