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The Chiloé wigeon (Anas sibilatrix),
The Chiloé wigeon also known as the southern wigeon, is one of three extant species of wigeon in the Anas genus of dabbling ducks. This bird is indigenous to the southern part of South America, including the Chiloé Archipelago,
Wigeon
and is found on freshwater lakes, marshes, shallow lagoons and slow flowing rivers.
It breeds primarily in Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile. The northern border of the breeding range is in Argentina at 36° S and Chile at 40° S. It also breeds sparingly in the Falkland Islands. It migrates to southeastern Brazil for the winter.
In its native range, it is called the pato overo (“piebald duck”) or pato real (“royal duck”), although the latter name also refers to the Muscovy in the wild. Its specific epithet, sibilatrix, means ‘whistler’, referring to the bird’s call.
The Chiloé wigeon has a body length of 46 to 56 cm (18 to 22 in) and a wingspan of 75 to 86 cm (30 to 34 in). The wing length is about 25 cm (9.8 in) and the weight is approximately 800 g (28 oz).
This bird has an iridescent green-blue cap on its head, and a bluish grey bill with a black tip. The cheeks and forehead are white, the eyes are dark brown, and there is a white auricular patch. The neck and occipital part of the head are black. The breast is barred black and white and the plumage of the wings is grey and white. The flanks of males are rust coloured, and light brown on females. The legs and feet are grey.
Sexual dimorphism is relatively subtle in this species of wigeon. Males are usually somewhat larger and heavier, and with somewhat brighter plumage and more strongly pronounced iridescence of the cap. Apart from these features, it can be difficult to distinguish the two sexes. Juveniles resemble adult birds, but the rust colouring on the flanks is diminished or even absent.
The wigeon was first introduced to Europe in 1870; it soon bred in zoos. Today it is widespread.
The IUCN estimates the present population to be around 500,000 adult individuals and determines their numbers are stable in the very large occupancy zone.
The Chiloé wigeon displays a variety of behaviours depending on habitat. It is an omnivore, feeding predominantly on aquatic plants and grass, and occasionally coastal algae.
This monogamous species breeds in the austral spring, between September and December. Pairs inhabit very small breeding territories, building their nests in grasses and under bushes. The female lays eight to 10 white or cream-coloured eggs. After a gestation period of approximately 24–25 days the ducklings are born. The father helps raise the ducklings, however, he leaves the family after the offspring moult.
(Source: Wikipedia – The Free Online Encyclopedia)
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