Black-headed Duck
Heteronetta atricapilla
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<birdfyi-bird slug="heteronetta-atricapilla"></birdfyi-bird>The Black-headed Duck (Heteronetta atricapilla) is a bird species in the family Anatidae (patos, gansos y cisnes), within the order Anseriformes (aves acuáticas). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 34.7 cm and a weight of 528.5 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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El pato cabeza negra es un pequeño pato buceador (~530 g) de América del Sur, familia Anatidae, y el único miembro del género Heteronetta. Tiene la cabeza negra en el macho y cuerpo marrón. Parásita de nido obligada: pone sus huevos en los nidos de otras aves acuáticas, especialmente fochas y pollas de agua. Habita en lagos y lagunas con vegetación emergente de Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile, Paraguay y Uruguay. No cría su propia cría nunca.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Envergadura | 34,7 cm | 13.7 in |
| Peso | 528,5 g | 18.64 oz |
Identificación
Plumaje
Male has distinctive jet-black head and neck, warm chestnut-brown back, and pale buff underparts; blue-grey bill with red base. Female is streaked brown above with pale supercilium and whitish underparts.
Habitat & Range
Distribución geográfica
Resident in southern South America from southern Brazil and Bolivia south to Argentina and Chile. Found on lakes and marshes in open lowlands.
Diet & Feeding
Parasitic; adults may feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates in South American marshes. Diet not well documented.
Estado de conservación
Comportamiento y reproducción
Nidificación
Incubation: 24-25 days.
Tamaño de la puesta
2
Sonido
Canto
Male gives a soft, raspy peeping note; female produces a muted quack. An obligate brood parasite with reduced vocalizations; subdued calls suit its secretive lifestyle among Argentine reeds.
Taxonomía
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Orden | Anseriformes (Aves Acuáticas) |
| Familia | Anatidae (Patos, Gansos y Cisnes) |
| Genus | Heteronetta |
| Especies | Heteronetta atricapilla |
Distribution
Black-headed Duck has been recorded in 5 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Preguntas frecuentes
What does the Black-headed Duck eat?
Where does the Black-headed Duck live?
Is the Black-headed Duck endangered?
How does the Black-headed Duck nest?
What does the Black-headed Duck sound like?
How big is the Black-headed Duck?
What order and family does the Black-headed Duck belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family