Blue duck/whio fun facts posters
Published:
June 2010
This a group of whio fun facts aimed primarily at kids but great for adults too. They are high resolution so print well and can be used for open days, education, wall posters etc.
Poster 4 - Spot the whio
Whio facts poster 1 - Whio surf the rapids
- Whio are only found in New Zealand.
- Whio are on the $10 note.
- Whio live in one of the most challenging environments in the world - a fast flowing river!
- They are the Central North Island white-water specialists.
- They have a lip on the end of their bill to protect their bill when feeding for aquatic insects amongst the rocks.
- They are perfectly camouflaged - they are blue/grey in colour and look just like a rock!
- They have big webbed feet for swimming in the rapids - even day old chicks can negotiate the biggest white water - born to surf.
- If you find Whio you will find a healthy river.
- They can't live in just any old waterway; they need fast-flowing water, high water quality, plants along the bank and lots of underwater insects.
Whio facts poster 2 - Feisty whio
- Whio are feisty - don't mess with them. They defend their territory from other whio and even other ducks on the river.
- So whio cannot be kept with other species of ducks in captivity, because they fight too much.
- Male whio will have big fights over territories and females.
- They defend territories up to 1km long.
- They are with the same partner right throughout the year and some will mate for life.
- From the time the chicks are born Mum and Dad must keep them in a tight bunch on the river - keeping them out of trouble is a full-time job.
Whio facts poster 3 - Whio still need our help; Being born a whio
- Whio generally nest between August and October.
- They lay 4-9 creamy white eggs at a time.
- The female incubates the eggs for 35 days.
- Chicks can fly after 70 days and will then leave their parents to find a mate and territory of their own.
- If you're looking for whio they are most active during early morning or late evening, hiding during the day.
Publication information
Poster 1 - A2 portrait; Poster 2 - A3 landscape; Poster 3 - A3 landscape; Poster 4 - A3 landscape.