Oxyura vittata
The Lake Duck, *Oxyura vittata*, is a distinctive member of the stiff-tailed duck genus, *Oxyura*, found exclusively in South America. This small diving duck typically measures 35-48 cm in length with a wingspan of 53-62 cm and weighs between 400-800 grams. Males in breeding plumage are striking, boasting a bright rufous-chestnut body, a glossy black head, and a conspicuously bright, sky-blue bill. Females and non-breeding males exhibit a more subdued coloration, predominantly grayish-brown w...
This species primarily inhabits freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes, favoring those with extensive emergent vegetation. It is often found at high elevations in the Andean mountains, but also in lowland wetlands in the southern part of its range.
The diet of the Lake Duck consists mainly of aquatic invertebrates, such as insect larvae and crustaceans, supplemented by seeds and vegetative parts of aquatic plants. They primarily forage by diving deep into the water.
Lake Ducks are primarily diurnal, spending much of their day diving for food or resting on the water, often with their stiff tail held erect. They are expert divers, using their powerful webbed feet for propulsion and their stiff tail as a rudder to pursue aquatic invertebrates. During the breedi...
The Lake Duck has a wide distribution across South America, primarily associated with the Andes mountain range and southern lowlands. Its breeding range extends from central Colombia south through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. In the Andes, it favors high-altitude lakes and lagoon...
Least Concern
- The Lake Duck is one of the smallest species within the stiff-tailed duck genus *Oxyura*. - Males dramatically change their bill color from dull gray to a vibrant sky-blue during the breeding season as a display of fitness. - They are exceptional divers, able to remain submerged for extended pe...