The only species in the steamer duck family that can regularly fly, making it a bit of an oddball among its mostly flightless relatives. Found throughout southern South America, including Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and the Falkland Islands, this large and rugged duck is part of a genus known for strength, attitude, and their unique way of skimming across the water — flapping their wings and kicking their feet like little paddle boats, which is how steamer ducks got their name.

Although it shares the bulky body and powerful wings of its flightless cousins, the flying steamer duck is generally smaller and lighter, with longer wings that give it enough lift to take to the air. Males are especially large and strong but still capable of flight, though not all individuals fly often — some populations seem to use flying only when necessary, sticking to paddling, diving, and “steaming” across the water. The species has grayish bodies, white markings on the face and neck, and bright orange legs and bills, making them easy to spot along windswept coastlines and riverbanks.

Flying steamer ducks are strong swimmers and divers, often seen foraging along rocky shores, coastal waters, and inland lakes for mussels, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. They can dive deep and hold their breath for quite some time, using their powerful webbed feet to steer through the water.

Scientists believe the flying steamer duck is a key link in the evolutionary story of how flightless steamer ducks developed, showing the gradual shift from flight to full-time ground and water life. Also, like other steamer ducks, they “steam” across the surface in a hilarious and dramatic way — kicking up spray and flapping like crazy, even when they could just fly.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Argentina

2018

Chile

2018

Falkland Islands

2018

Malvinas