Flying steamer duck

Tachyeres patachonicus

Vliegende stoombooteend (Patagonische booteend) / Patagonische Dampfschiffente / Canard vapeur de Patagonie

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). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size may be small, 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 is found in south Chile, extreme southern Argentina, Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

The species has a large global population estimated to number 11,000-26,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2006), roughly equivalent to 7,300-18,000 mature individuals. The Falkland/Malvinas Islands population is estimated at 600-1,200 birds, although the population trend appears to be unknown (Woods and Woods 1997). Reports from Argentina suggest that the species is still numerous, particularly in Patagonia (M. Pearman in litt. 2003).

This species occurs both inland on freshwater lakes, pools and rivers, and, during the non-breeding season, along rocky coastlines. It primarily consumes aquatic invertebrates captured both in salt and fresh water by diving. Its breeding season starting in October or November, creating well concealed nests among vegetation on small islets. It is largely sedentary, with only small-scale movements along the coast after the breeding season (del Hoyo et al. 1992).

Above: adult Flying steamer duck, male

Above: adult Flying steamer duck

Above: adult Flying steamer duck

Above: juvenile Flying steamer ducks

Above: watching steamer ducks from another perspective at Ouwehands Dierenpark