Torrent Duck

À propos

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
Envergure	32,7 cm	12.9 in
Poids	366,875 g	12.94 oz

Identification

Plumage

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.

Répartition géographique

Breeds in the northern prairie pothole region; winters along both coasts of the United States and south to Mexico.

Diet & Feeding

Filter-feeds on aquatic invertebrates and seeds; dabbles in shallow wetlands; diet more plant-based in winter non-breeding period.

Statut de conservation

Least Concern

IUCN Red List

Comportement et reproduction

Nidification

Nest type: CV,O. Incubation: 43-44 days.

Taille de la couvée

3-4

Son

Chant

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.

Taxonomie

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Ordre	Anseriformes (Waterfowl)
Famille	Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans)
Genus	Merganetta
Espèces	Merganetta armata

Distribution

Torrent Duck has been recorded in 4 countries.

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Présent Not recorded

countries highlighted

🇳🇴 Norway 🇨🇴 Colombia 🇪🇨 Ecuador 🇻🇪 Venezuela

External Databases

Foire aux questions

What does the Torrent Duck eat?

Filter-feeds on aquatic invertebrates and seeds; dabbles in shallow wetlands; diet more plant-based in winter non-breeding period.

Where does the Torrent Duck live?

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.

Is the Torrent Duck endangered?

The Torrent Duck has a conservation status of Least Concern.

How does the Torrent Duck nest?

Nest type: CV,O. Incubation: 43-44 days.

What does the Torrent Duck sound like?

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.

How big is the Torrent Duck?

The Torrent Duck has a wingspan of 32.7 cm, weight of 366.875 g.

What order and family does the Torrent Duck belong to?

The Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata) belongs to the order Anseriformes and the family Anatidae.