Torrent Duck
Merganetta armata
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<birdfyi-bird slug="merganetta-armata"></birdfyi-bird>The Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata) is a bird species in the family Anatidae (patos, gansos y cisnes), within the order Anseriformes (aves acuáticas). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 32.7 cm and a weight of 366.9 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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A slim agile duck perfectly adapted to fast-flowing Andean rivers. Males are striking with a white-and-black-streaked head, red bill, and chestnut breast; females are rufous below. Forages by diving and swimming in violent rapids, holding on to boulders with strong claws. Monogamous with strong site fidelity.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Envergadura | 32,7 cm | 12.9 in |
| Peso | 366,875 g | 12.94 oz |
Identificación
Plumaje
Striking sexual dimorphism. Males have white head with black stripes and red bill; dark back with rufous breast. Females gray above with rufous-cinnamon underparts. Stiff tail; specialized for fast-running rivers.
Habitat & Range
Fast-flowing clear Andean mountain rivers and torrents at 1,500–4,500 m from Venezuela south through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile to Tierra del Fuego. Requires bouldered well-oxygenated rapids.
Estado de conservación
Comportamiento y reproducción
Nidificación
Nest type: CV,O. Incubation: 43-44 days.
Tamaño de la puesta
3-4
Sonido
Canto
A sharp, staccato 'pit' or 'wit' call. Males give a loud, ringing whistle. The Torrent Duck is a fast-flowing Andean river specialist; calls carry over powerful rapids.
Taxonomía
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Orden | Anseriformes (Aves Acuáticas) |
| Familia | Anatidae (Patos, Gansos y Cisnes) |
| Genus | Merganetta |
| Especies | Merganetta armata |
Distribution
Torrent Duck has been recorded in 4 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Preguntas frecuentes
Where does the Torrent Duck live?
Is the Torrent Duck endangered?
How does the Torrent Duck nest?
What does the Torrent Duck sound like?
How big is the Torrent Duck?
What order and family does the Torrent Duck belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family