Flying Steamer-duck Tachyeres patachonicus

Flying Steamer-duck Tachyeres patachonicus
Chilean name: Quetru volador

Chile
December 2005

The Flying Steamer-duck is distributed in southern Chile, the extreme south of Argentina, Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands. It is the only steamer-duck that is found on inland water-bodies as well as at the coast.

Steamer-ducks are so named because they run across the water using their feet for propulsion and their wings as a sort of splashing support as can be seen in photos 1 to 4. This reminded early sailors of a paddle steamer.

There is a short note on the "Mechanics of Steaming in Steamer-ducks" by Livezey & Humphrey in Auk, April 1983.

It is the only steamer-duck found on fresh water which was the case in photo 6 of a female at Torres del Paine. All other photos were taken round the coast of Chiloe where there is the possibility of confusion with Flightless Steamer-duck T. pteneres.

Flying Steamer-duck is smaller with longer, functional wings. The male has a pale to whitish head and orange bill and legs. The female has a dark grey head and a darker bill which is greenish with a yellowish base.

Another distinguishing feature of the Flying Steamer-duck is that it usually shows a long, up-curled tail when swimming. This was noticeable on the bird in photo 6 but I must admit I didn't notice this feature on any of the other birds on this page.

Steamer-ducks are very aggressive in defending territories and male combat is possibly also a part of sexual display. Photos 3 and 4 show a growth at the bend of the wing which is, in fact, a modified spur used in fights.

Female Flying Steamer-duck, Torres del Paine, Chile, December 2005 - click for larger image

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