nr.427
Falkland Flightless Steamer Duck
Species restricted to Falkland Islands
Length: 61-71 cm Stands: 25 cm Weight: 3-4 Kg
Heavy build duck with large bill. Upper parts dark blue-grey and feathers
on shoulders and back have a light metallic sheen to their centres. Upper
brest blue-grey. Under parts white. Adult males have light grey head, becomes
almost wholly white in old birds, and deep orange bill. Adult female has
a purple-brown head and olive-green bill with black tip. Both sexes have
orange feet and white eye ring. Common and widely distributed. Feeds in
shelter of kelp beds and close inshore on a variety of marine life, but
largely on shellfish. Not capable of sustained flight, but by rapid paddle-like
wing beats "steams" over the surface of the water when escaping from danger
or chasing intruders. Breeding begins with egg laying in mid September
to mid October. |