Magellanic steamer duck (Fuegian steamer duck)

Tachyeres pteneres

Magelhaen stoombooteend (Reuzenbooteend) / Magellan-Dampfschiffente / Canard vapeur magellanique

This species has a very large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size may be moderately small to large, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern (IUCN, 2012).

This species can be found on the Pacific coast of South America from south-central Chile to Tierra del Fuego (del Hoyo et al.1992).

This flightless steamerduck frequents rocky coastlines and can be found several miles offshore. It dives in shallow waters among kelp beds, with a diet of aquatic molluscs, crutaceans and sometimes fish. Foraging occurs mostly during the high tide. Breeding starts in September or October on the shoreline in sheltered bays or channels with nests well hidden amonst vegetation (del Hoyo et al.1992).

Above: adult Magellanice steamer duck, male

Above: adult couple Magellanice steamer duck

Above: adult Magellanice steamer duck, male

Above: adult Magellanice steamer duck, male

Above: juvenile Magellanice steamer ducks

Above: juvenile Magellanice steamer ducks

Above: juvenile Magellanice steamer ducks

Above: Magellanic steamer duck at Dierenpark Emmen, Netherlands

Above: Magellanic steamer ducks at Dierenpark Emmen, Netherlands

Above: Magellanic steamer ducks with ducklings