Fantastic whio feathers
The blue duck/whio is endemic to New Zealand. It has some unique adaptations that allow it to survive in its specific habitat. These features include a special soft bill for scraping insect larvae off the rocks, excellent camouflage and a streamlined body. The whio, along with all duck species, also has different types of feathers, each with specific qualities. As whio live in very cold, fast-flowing water, the insulating and waterproofing properties of their feathers are very important.
Whio swimming
Whio/blue ducks live in very cold water, so the insulating and waterproofing properties of feathers are very important.
Ducks have three main types of feathers: flight, contour and down feathers. Each type of feather provides a different function.
Flight feathers are long and strong and are precisely aligned with the help of tiny barbs that hook together to form the vane of the feather. This is the flat soft part on both sides of the central shaft. The barbs also hold the feathers securely in place during flight.
Contour feathers provide the bird’s shape and colour. They also have barbs, holding them in place, overlapping each other much like tiles on a roof. This helps to create a waterproof coat with air pockets trapped underneath for buoyancy and warmth.
Down feathers are fluffy and soft for warmth and have no barbs. They are found underneath, growing between the other feathers.
Whio feathers
Ducks have three main types of feathers: flight, contour and down feathers. Each different type provides a different function.
Preening
Preening is an important behavioural adaptation for whio. A gland on the bird’s tail releases waterproofing oils, and preening spreads this oil over the feathers. Often birds can be seen preening after getting wet. Department of Conservation rangers say preening is the most common behavioural observation of whio.
Moulting
When the breeding season has finished and chicks have fledged, adult whio moult. Moulting involves the ducks losing their feathers and replacing them with new ones. Whio are particularly vulnerable to predators at this time of year because they cannot fly. They tend to hide away in small side streams or caves, only coming out to feed at sunrise or sunset.
Related resources
Examples of related articles on the Science Learning Hub include: Who’s who in the duck world?, Introducing New Zealand ducks, Conserving native birds – introduction and Conserving native birds – writer’s insight. Feathers and flight provides more information about different types of feathers.
There are also several teacher PLD sessions related to this topic:
Activity ideas
Some activities on the Science Learning Hub related to whio and other New Zealand ducks that you may wish to explore include:
Useful links
Department of Conservation along with Genesis Energy have produced an educational resource called Whio Forever, which provides a range of useful resources about the whio and conservation of this important species.
Posters are a great way of accessing small chunks of information in a very visual way. These Facts about the whio posters produced by DOC are in both English and te reo Māori and provide a great starting point for finding out more about one of our most unique endemic birds.
