Birdsong field guide
Finsch's Duck
Chenonetta finschi
Finsch's Duck was a large, extinct, and nearly flightless waterfowl endemic to New Zealand's terrestrial landscapes.
What it sounds like
Unknown; as an extinct species, its vocalizations were never recorded.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- It was significantly larger and heavier than its closest living relative, the Australian Wood Duck.
- Evolutionary records show its wings reduced in size by roughly 10% over time, eventually leading to flightlessness.
- Subfossil remains indicate it was once one of the most abundant bird species across both the North and South Islands.
- Unlike most anatids, it was a specialized terrestrial herbivore that spent very little time in aquatic environments.
- The species went extinct between 1500 and 1700 AD, likely due to hunting and predation by introduced Pacific rats.
Habitat
Forests, scrublands, and open grasslands far from standing water.
Range
New Zealand
Similar & commonly confused birds
Heard a Finsch's Duck?
Open Birdsong, tap record, and identify the bird singing near you in seconds — then collect it in your field journal.
Identify a bird by its song