About the Lake Duck
The lake duck is a small, South American stiff-tailed duck. It is also called the Argentine blue-bill, Argentine blue-billed duck, Argentine lake duck, or Argentine ruddy duck.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United Kingdom, Bolivia.
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
White-headed DuckOxyura leucocephalaAdult males have a grey and reddish body, a blue bill and a largely white head with a black cap and neck.
Blue-billed DuckOxyura australisThe tail feathers for both the male and female are made up of thick, spine-like shafts.
Maccoa DuckOxyura maccoaAs members of the stiff-tailed duck group, Maccoas are often found wading in the water with their tail feathers cocked upwards.
Learn the Lake Duck for real
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