The Chubut steamer duck or white-headed flightless steamer duck is a flightless duck endemic to Argentina.
Region
Patagonian coast of Argentina
Typical Environment
Confined to rocky shorelines, kelp beds, and sheltered bays along the coast of Chubut in Patagonia. It favors wave-washed reefs, islets, and protected coves with access to intertidal feeding grounds. Nests are placed close to shore in dense grasses or low scrub, often on islets that reduce predator access. The species remains nearshore throughout the year and rarely ventures far offshore or inland.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of four South American steamer ducks, it is famous for being flightless and for ‘steaming’ across the water by beating its short wings while paddling powerfully. Adult males have a striking white head, earning the name white-headed steamer duck. It defends coastal territories year-round and is highly aggressive to intruders. Its small, localized range makes it vulnerable to coastal disturbance and pollution.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
Flightless; propels rapidly across water using feet and rapid wingbeats (‘steaming’).
Social Behavior
Occurs as territorial pairs that defend coastal stretches year-round. Likely monogamous, nesting close to shore in grass or low scrub, with the female incubating and both adults guarding the brood. Chicks are precocial and can swim and dive soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include harsh grunts and growls, with males adding whistled notes during displays. Calls carry over surf noise and are used in territorial defense and pair communication.
Plumage
Dense, waterproof body feathers; males show clean white head and neck with slate-gray body, females are mottled brown with pale streaking. Both sexes have short, stiff wings and robust bodies typical of steamer ducks.
Diet
Feeds mainly on marine invertebrates such as mussels, limpets, and crabs, and will take small fish when available. It pries and hammers prey from rocks and forages among kelp and intertidal pools. Powerful legs aid diving and underwater pursuit in shallow coastal waters.
Preferred Environment
Rocky intertidal zones, kelp beds, and sheltered coves with abundant mollusks and crustaceans. Often forages close to shore, around reefs and islets, rarely entering freshwater except protected lagoons adjacent to the coast.
