Mareca sibilatrix
The Chiloe Wigeon (*Mareca sibilatrix*) is a strikingly patterned, medium-sized dabbling duck, typically measuring 43-54 cm (17-21 in) in length with a wingspan of approximately 75-85 cm (30-33 in) and weighing between 700-900 grams (1.5-2 lbs). Both sexes exhibit a distinctive appearance: a bright white face with a prominent iridescent green patch extending from behind the eye to the nape, sharply contrasted by a glossy black cap. Its breast is finely barred black and white, transitioning to...
Primarily inhabits freshwater wetlands, including lakes, lagoons, slow-moving rivers, and marshes, often with abundant emergent vegetation. It can also utilize brackish coastal lagoons and estuaries, typically at low to moderate elevations up to 1,500 meters.
Primarily herbivorous, consuming seeds, leaves, and stems of various aquatic plants; also supplements its diet with small aquatic invertebrates through dabbling and grazing.
Chiloe Wigeons are diurnal and intensely social birds, frequently observed grazing in large, cohesive flocks, sometimes mixed with other dabbling ducks, particularly outside the breeding season. They forage by dabbling at the surface, up-ending in shallow water, and grazing on aquatic vegetation ...
The Chiloe Wigeon is widely distributed across the southern half of South America, with its primary breeding grounds spanning Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and the Falkland Islands. During the austral summer (breeding season), they are abundant across these regions, particularly in Patagon...
Least Concern
- The scientific name, *sibilatrix*, is Latin for 'whistler,' a direct reference to the Chiloe Wigeon's distinctive and melodic call. - Unlike many duck species, males and females of the Chiloe Wigeon are remarkably similar in plumage, displaying very little sexual dimorphism. - They are known to...