Tachyeres leucocephalus
The Chubut Steamer Duck (Tachyeres leucocephalus) is a robust and distinctive member of the Anatidae family, endemic to the coastal waters of Argentina. Reaching lengths of 63-74 cm (25-29 in) and weighing 3.4-4.4 kg (7.5-9.7 lbs), this large duck exhibits striking sexual dimorphism. Males are predominantly white-headed with bright orange bills and legs, contrasting sharply with their greyish-brown bodies and white patches on the wings. Females, by contrast, have duller grey-brown heads and b...
This species exclusively inhabits sheltered bays, estuaries, and rocky coastlines along the Patagonian coast, preferring areas with strong currents and abundant intertidal food sources at sea level.
Primarily carnivorous, their diet consists mainly of marine invertebrates, including bivalve mollusks, various crustaceans (such as crabs and amphipods), and small fish, which they obtain by diving.
Chubut Steamer Ducks are highly territorial, with pairs maintaining stretches of coastline year-round, aggressively defending their turf. They are diurnal, spending their days foraging and engaged in territorial patrols. Foraging involves extensive diving in shallow coastal waters, propelled by t...
The Chubut Steamer Duck is entirely endemic to a specific, restricted coastal strip in southern Argentina. Its breeding and year-round range extends primarily along the coast of Chubut Province, with some populations extending into northern Santa Cruz Province. This non-migratory species is found...
Near Threatened
- The Chubut Steamer Duck was only formally described as a distinct species in 1981, making it one of the most recently recognized waterfowl species globally. - Despite its name, the "steaming" behavior involves the bird running across the water surface while flapping its wings vigorously, creati...