Private birding & wildlife tours in Puerto Madryn, Península Valdés and beyond
Bird species profile
Black-headed Duck
Heteronetta atricapilla
Order
Anseriformes
Family
Anatidae
About the species
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
The Black-headed Duck is a small, inconspicuous waterfowl native to the wetlands and marshes of southern South America, including Patagonia. Unlike most ducks, this species is a brood parasite: females lay their eggs in the nests of other waterbirds, such as coots and grebes, leaving the host species to incubate. The ducklings hatch quickly and are able to leave the nest and fend for themselves almost immediately. This unique reproductive strategy sets the Black-headed Duck apart from all other ducks in the world.
Habitat
Prefers freshwater marshes, reedbeds, and shallow lakes with dense aquatic vegetation across southern South America.
Foraging
Feeds mainly on seeds and aquatic invertebrates, dabbling and diving in shallow water.
