Andean Duck
Oxyura ferruginea
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<birdfyi-bird slug="oxyura-ferruginea"></birdfyi-bird>About
A stocky stiff-tailed duck (~800 g) of family Anatidae inhabiting high-altitude Andean lakes and wetlands from Colombia to Argentina. Males are rich chestnut with a blue bill during the breeding season. Dives for aquatic plants and invertebrates in cold Andean waters. Least Concern; formerly considered conspecific with Ruddy Duck but now recognized as a distinct species.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 31.4 cm | 12.4 in |
| Weight | 800.75 g | 28.25 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Male is dark chestnut-rufous overall with black head, white cheeks tinged grey, and deep blue bill. Female is dark brownish with pale cheeks divided by a dark bar; similar to Ruddy Duck but darker overall.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident in the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina. Found on high-altitude lakes above 3,000 m.
Diet & Feeding
Dives for aquatic invertebrates and plant seeds in Andean lakes and marshes. Diet similar to Ruddy Duck; favours high-altitude wetlands.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 24-26 days. Fledging: 50-55 days.
Clutch Size
6-10
Sound
Song
Male gives a rapid, staccato drumming display call; female produces a nasal, quacking rattle. The male's mechanical drumming is similar to Ruddy Duck; echoes across Andean high-altitude lakes.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Oxyura |
| Species | Oxyura ferruginea |
Distribution
Andean Duck has been recorded in 2 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Andean Duck eat?
Where does the Andean Duck live?
Is the Andean Duck endangered?
How does the Andean Duck nest?
What does the Andean Duck sound like?
How big is the Andean Duck?
What order and family does the Andean Duck belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family