FLYING STEAMER DUCK Tachyeres patachonicus

So-called due to their habit of "steaming" across the water with wings aloft and paddling rapidly, all steamer ducks occur in southern South America and the Falklands, mainly coastally and breeding in the vicinity on lakes etc. just inland. All superficially similar, the best distinguishing features are the female bills, they are usually found in pairs or small goups. The shots were taken on Tierra del Fuego. The "flying" name is no help in identification, since some older, heavier birds cannot fly. Sustained flight, however, is a dignostic feature.

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