The paradise shelduck (Tadorna variegata) is a colourful, conspicuous and noisy waterfowl that could be mistaken for a small goose. The genus name Tadorna comes from Celtic roots and means "pied waterfowl”. It is endemic to New Zealand. The paradise shelduck is the second-most abundant waterfowl in New Zealand (after mallard). Known to the Māori as pūtangitangi, but now commonly referred to as the "paradise duck", it is a prized game bird. Before Europeans settled in New Zealand the Māori hunted paradise shelducks in favoured districts. Hunting was done outside the breeding season when the birds were moulting and could not fly. During the breeding season hunting them was forbidden. Both the male and female have striking plumage: the male has a black head and barred black body, the female a white head with a chestnut body.
