Fuegian Steamer Ducks or Magellanic Flightless Steamer Ducks

Fuegian Steamer Ducks or Magellanic Flightless Steamer Ducks

The Fuegian Steamer Ducks (Tachyeres pteneres) – also called the Magellanic Flightless Steamer Ducks – are flightless ducks from South America.

They are large ducks measuring 65–78 cm (22-31 in) in length and weighing 3.5 – 7 kg (7.7-15.5 lbs). The males tend to be larger than the females.


More Duck Resources


Two Magellanic Flightless Steamer Ducks Tachyeres pteneres in Cologne Zoo.

Diet / Feeding:

Ducks feed on larvae and pupae usually found under rocks, aquatic animals, plant material, seeds, small fish, snails, and crabs.

Instead of “teeth,” ducks have serrations (saw-like edges) on their bills that allow them to filter food out of the water.

Captive birds are often fed commercially prepared duck food pellets – if there are insufficient natural resources available to sustain them. As they feed on insects, they are very useful in ridding gardens or lawns of harmful bugs.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photo of author

Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

We love to hear from our readers. If you have any questions or if you want to get in touch with us, you can find our contact details on our About Us page.

Leave a Comment