The Andean duck is a bird species native to the Andean Mountains of South America, one of the stiff-tailed ducks. It was considered a subspecies of the ruddy duck. In fact, some taxonomic authorities still consider it conspecific, including the American Ornithological Society.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from Colombia and Ecuador south through Peru and Bolivia to northern Chile and northwestern Argentina, with records into central Chile and Argentina. It favors high-elevation lakes, marshes, and lagoons with abundant emergent vegetation. The species uses both fresh and brackish or saline waters and readily occupies puna and Altiplano wetlands. Local movements to lower elevations or larger, ice-free waterbodies may occur in the non-breeding season.
Altitude Range
2000–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Andean duck is a stiff-tailed diving duck of high Andean lakes, long treated as a subspecies of the Ruddy Duck but split by several authorities. Males lack the bold white cheek patch of the North American Ruddy Duck, showing a mostly dark head with a slate-blue bill. It often holds its spiky tail cocked upright and is a powerful diver, spending long periods underwater while foraging. Some populations make short altitudinal movements in response to seasonal changes in Andean wetlands.
Temperament
wary and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier, prefers diving
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small groups; forms looser flocks outside the breeding season on larger lakes. Nests are built in dense emergent vegetation over water, often as floating platforms. Clutches are moderate-sized, and females handle incubation; egg-dumping into neighboring nests is occasionally reported in stiff-tailed ducks.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; males give low grunts, clicks, and wheezy notes during display. Both sexes may emit soft hisses or clucking calls at close range.
