Birds
Flying Steamer Duck
Tachyeres patachonicus · also called Patagonian steamer duck
Still capable of taking to the air unlike several of its heavier-bodied relatives, a flying steamer duck nonetheless keeps up the same churning, paddle-wheel style of swimming that gives every steamer duck species its name.
Overview
The flying steamer duck, Tachyeres patachonicus, is a Least Concern waterfowl species native to coastal and wetland habitat across southern Argentina and Chile. Its status as the only steamer duck species retaining flight, its lighter body build, and its extension further inland onto freshwater habitat make it one of the more physically and ecologically distinct steamer ducks found anywhere in southern South America.
The one steamer duck that never gave up flying
While several of its closest relatives evolved into heavier, flightless forms better suited to powerful swimming, the flying steamer duck kept just enough of its original build to retain flight, a trait that also lets it range further inland than its grounded relatives ever could.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable coastal and freshwater habitat in southern South America.
Flying Steamer Duck: common questions
Why is the flying steamer duck unusual among steamer ducks?
This species is the only steamer duck species capable of true flight, unlike several closely related steamer ducks, including the Falkland steamer duck, which have lost the ability entirely.
How does the flying steamer duck compare in build to its relatives?
This species has a comparatively lighter, less heavily built body than its flightless steamer duck relatives, an adaptation that keeps sustained flight possible.
Does the flying steamer duck still churn across the water?
Yes, this species still propels itself across the water's surface in the churning, paddle-like motion typical of steamer ducks, despite retaining the ability to fly unlike its relatives.
Where is the flying steamer duck found?
This species is found across coastal and wetland habitat in southern Argentina and Chile, extending further inland onto freshwater lakes and rivers than several of its relatives.