About the Falkland Steamer Duck
The Falkland steamer duck is a species of flightless duck found on the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. The steamer ducks get their name from their unconventional swimming behaviour in which they flap their wings and feet on the water in a motion reminiscent of an old paddle steamer. The Falkland steamer duck is one of only two bird species endemic to the Falkland Islands, the other being Cobb's wren.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The Falkland steamer duck measures between 61 and 74 cm in length and has a wingspan of 84 to 94 cm. It is a fairly large species of duck with males weighing between 3300 and 4800 g, and females between 2900 and 4196 g. The male's plumage is brown to grey with a contrasting light grey-white head. They have a distinctive orange bill. The wings have white secondary feathers and large, featherless spurs. The stubby tail is brown-grey. The eyes are brown with a contrasting white eye-ring and a faint white eye-streak. Voice: The Falkland steamer duck's vocalizations are similar to those of the flying steamer duck. Males can be heard year-round, but they are especially vocal during the breeding season, during which they use their vocalization to defend their territory. Their call consists of loud rasping whistles and repeated sharp ticking notes. Females usually sing with the males and produce deeper grunts.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Argentina.
When to see it
Peak activity in November · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Chubut Steamer DuckTachyeres leucocephalusAdult male Chubut steamer ducks have white heads with a bright yellow/orange bill with a black nail.
Fuegian Steamer DuckTachyeres pteneresThis is the largest of the steamer duck species.
Flying Steamer DuckTachyeres patachonicusThough they are the smallest of the four Tachyeres species, flying steamer ducks share similar plumage traits with other steamer ducks including female brown head and neck feathers with white stripes stretching from their eyes to the napes of their necks, and brown-gray gradient body feathers.
Learn the Falkland Steamer Duck for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.