Grey Duck

Anas superciliosa, the pārera, is a native Pacific black duck now heavily affected by mallard hybridisation. A pure-looking bird differs from a female mallard through bold facial stripes and an unbordered green wing speculum. It has a dark crown, cream eyebrow and a strong stripe through the eye. The body is mottled brown, and the bill is usually dark olive.

It formerly occupied wetlands throughout New Zealand and remains widespread in mixed populations. Relatively pure birds are most likely in remote areas away from dense mallard populations. It dabbles for seeds, aquatic plants and invertebrates. Birds feed in shallow fresh or brackish water, often at dawn and dusk.

The New Zealand classification is Nationally Vulnerable. Remote wetlands in Fiordland and Stewart Island/Rakiura offer better chances of pure-looking birds.