Alternative names: Fuegian Steamer-Duck; Magellanic Steamer-Duck
- Tachyeres pteneres
Identification
74-84cm (29-33 in). The largest Steamer-Duck, has a sturdy bill and a massive body.
- Grey head not contrasting with rest of plumage
- Bright yellow-orange bill with black nail
- Yellow-orange feet
- Brown eyes
Females are similar but smaler and have a darker head. Juveniles lack the wine-coloured tones in the grey plumage and they have a narrow pale eyering.
Similar species
Separated from Flying Steamer-Duck by much larger size, heavy bill and neck, shorter wings and tail, much greyer body and lack of sexual dimorphism.
Distribution
Southern South America: Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn Archipelago.
Common to locally abundant in its small range.
Taxonomy
Clements regards this as a monotypic species [1]. However, there is an undescribed (unpublished) but well-known distinct form from Chiloe island. This differs in that both males and females have some greenish yellow on the bills. This is most marked in females which makes them appear (even) more like flying steamer ducks.
Often thought to form a superspecies with Falkland Steamer-Duck and White-headed Steamer-Duck.
Habitat
Found along rocky coasts and in harbours, sometimes several miles offshore.
Breeds in sheltered bays or channels.
Maritime and harbours.
Behaviour
Diet
Feeds on aquatic molluscs and crustaceans, takes also small fish. Forages by diving, dabbling or upending in shallow water, mostly during high tide.
Breeding
Breeding season starts September/October. A monogamous species, pairs probably stay together life-long. Nests near water, often Close to high-water mark, sometimes higher. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground, well hiden among vegetation. Breeds often on small Islands and islets for better protection of terrestrial predators like American Mink. Lays 4 to 8 eggs.
Movements
A sedentary species. Essentially flightless.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2018. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2018. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliot, and J Sargatal, eds. 1992. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 1: Ostrich to Ducks. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8487334108
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Flightless Steamer-Duck. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 16 June 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Flightless_Steamer-Duck