Head to head
Chiloe Wigeon vs Crested Duck
Chiloe Wigeon
VS Crested Duck
Both ducks share southern South American wetlands, but their feeding styles and elevational ranges set them apart.
| Chiloe Wigeon | Crested Duck | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Mareca sibilatrix | Lophonetta specularioides |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Distinguishing feature | Metallic green head patch | Shaggy crest on the back of the head |
| Feeding style | Grazes on grass and pasture | Feeds on aquatic plants and algae |
| Elevational range | Typical lowland wetland range | Sea level to high Andean lakes |
| Subspecies | None notable | Two recognised subspecies |
| Pair bonding | Often stays paired outside breeding season | Stays paired year-round |
| Habitat | Wetlands, grassland | Wetlands, coastal, mountains |
Chiloe Wigeon vs Crested Duck: common questions
Which duck ranges across a wider span of elevation?
The crested duck does, found from lowland Patagonian coastlines up to high-altitude Andean lakes thousands of metres above sea level, a far broader elevational range than the Chiloe wigeon typically occupies.
Which duck grazes like a goose?
The Chiloe wigeon does, grazing on grass and pasture more than many other duck species, a feeding style the crested duck does not share to the same degree.
Which duck has recognised subspecies?
The crested duck does, divided into two recognised subspecies adapted to lowland and high-altitude parts of its range, unlike the Chiloe wigeon.