Bird Guide

Lake Duck vs Maccoa Duck

Lake Duck (Oxyura vittata)

Lake Duck

Oxyura vittata

Large643 gWetland

The lake duck grows to 36–46 centimetres (14–18 in). Females weigh 510–700 grams (18–25 oz) and males 600–850 grams (21–30 oz). Males can be distinguished from Andean duck (Oxyura ferruginea), a similar species, by being smaller and having a flatter head.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Leonel Roget · CC BY 4.0
Maccoa Duck (Oxyura maccoa)

Maccoa Duck

Oxyura maccoa

Large674 gWetland

As members of the stiff-tailed duck group, Maccoas are often found wading in the water with their tail feathers cocked upwards. As diving ducks, their bodies are specialized for being agile underwater swimmers and thus have sacrificed the characteristics that allow them to move well on land. As a result, their legs are set further back on their bodies which makes them awkward when walking out of water. Voice: When putting on their mating displays, males will often give out short whistles or will produce a prrrr'ing sound for 2 or 3 seconds. When feeling threatened, both males and females will emit low grunts.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Christiaan Viljoen · CC BY 4.0

Learn this pair in the BeakBrain App

Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.

Play today's Daily Bird

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Lake Duck and Maccoa Duck.