Oxyura vittata

(Philippi, 1860)

Vernacular names
English : Lake duck
French : Érismature ornée

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a length of 46 cm for a weight of 850 g. Male is entirely dark chestnut brown with black stiff tail and head. Large and wide blue bill forming a U shape when seen in front. Female blackish brown with clear belly.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South America, in central Chile and most of Argentina (but not in the Andes). Non breeding populations seen north to South Brazil. Lives in freshwater lakes and marshes with emergent vegetation, to 1200 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is local and globally uncommon. Its secretive habits make it difficult to assess its populations accurately. Threatened by habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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