Falkland Steamerduck
Tachyeres brachypterus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="tachyeres-brachypterus"></birdfyi-bird>The Falkland Steamerduck (Tachyeres brachypterus) is a bird species in the family Anatidae (ducks, geese & swans), within the order Anseriformes (waterfowl). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 49 cm and a weight of 3.8 kg. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A large flightless steamerduck endemic to the Falkland Islands, with grey body plumage, white belly, and orange-yellow bill. Males have a rust-orange head. Highly territorial and aggressive; pairs vigorously defend coastal territories. Feeds by diving in kelp beds and rocky coastal shallows.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 49.0 cm | 19.3 in |
| Weight | 3799.0 g | 134.01 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Flightless; males gray with white supercilium and orange bill. Breast grayish-brown; flanks with brown mottling. Females brown with white eye-ring. Yellow-olive bill. Endemic to Falkland Islands.
Habitat & Range
Exclusive to rocky coasts, sheltered coves, kelp beds, and sea inlets of the Falkland Islands. Flightless; strictly coastal. One of the few bird species entirely endemic to the Falkland Islands.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: BU. Incubation: 28-40 days. Fledging: 84 days.
Clutch Size
4-12
Sound
Song
Similar to Magellanic Steamerduck in call quality — harsh, rattling, mechanical. Falkland Island birds' vocalizations adapted for stormy, windswept coastal habitat.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Tachyeres |
| Species | Tachyeres brachypterus |
Distribution
Falkland Steamerduck has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Falkland Steamerduck live?
Is the Falkland Steamerduck endangered?
How does the Falkland Steamerduck nest?
What does the Falkland Steamerduck sound like?
How big is the Falkland Steamerduck?
What order and family does the Falkland Steamerduck belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family