Black-headed Duck
Heteronetta atricapilla
Embed This Widget
Add the script tag and a data attribute to embed this widget.
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/birdfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
<div data-birdfyi="bird" data-slug="heteronetta-atricapilla"></div>Embed via iframe for maximum compatibility.
<iframe src="https://birdfyi.com/iframe/bird/heteronetta-atricapilla/" width="420" height="400" frameborder="0" style="border:0;border-radius:10px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy"></iframe>Paste this URL in WordPress, Medium, or any oEmbed-compatible platform.
https://birdfyi.com/bird/heteronetta-atricapilla/Add a dynamic SVG badge to your README or docs.
[](https://birdfyi.com/bird/heteronetta-atricapilla/)Use the native HTML custom element.
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/birdfyi-embed@1/dist/embed.min.js" defer></script>
<birdfyi-bird slug="heteronetta-atricapilla"></birdfyi-bird>On this page
À propos
A small diving duck (~530 g) of South America, family Anatidae, and the sole member of genus Heteronetta. Inhabits freshwater marshes and lakes in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. Unique among waterfowl as an obligate brood parasite, laying eggs in nests of coots and other waterbirds. Feeds on seeds and aquatic invertebrates. Least Concern.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Envergure | 34,7 cm | 13.7 in |
| Poids | 528,5 g | 18.64 oz |
Identification
Plumage
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
Répartition géographique
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.
Statut de conservation
Comportement et reproduction
Nidification
Incubation: 24-25 days.
Taille de la couvée
2
Son
Chant
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.
Taxonomie
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordre | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Famille | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Heteronetta |
| Espèces | Heteronetta atricapilla |
Distribution
Black-headed Duck has been recorded in 5 countries.
{# Distribution Map — simplified SVG world map with highlighted countries. Expects `country_codes` variable: list of ISO alpha-2 codes (e.g. ["US", "CA", "MX"]). Uses Alpine.js to toggle classes on country paths. #}countries highlighted
External Databases
Foire aux questions
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