Bronze-winged duck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bronze-winged duck |
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| A pair of bronze-winged ducks | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Speculanas
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| Species: |
specularis
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| Synonyms | |
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Anas specularis |
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The bronze-winged duck (scientific name: Speculanas specularis) is a special type of duck. It's also called the spectacled duck. This duck is the only member of its group, or genus, called Speculanas. It's a dabbling duck, which means it feeds by tipping its head into the water instead of diving completely.
This duck gets its name from the shiny, bronze-colored feathers on its wings. These special feathers are called a "speculum." People in some places also call it "pato perro," which means "dog-duck." This is because the female duck makes a loud, barking sound!
Where They Live
Bronze-winged ducks live in South America. You can find them in the central and southern parts of Chile and nearby areas of Argentina. They prefer places with lots of trees, like forests, especially near rivers and fast-flowing streams. These areas are usually on the lower slopes of the famous Andes mountains.
What They Look Like
Both male and female bronze-winged ducks look very similar. This can make it tricky to tell them apart just by looking!
What They Eat and How They Live
Bronze-winged ducks love to live near rivers that flow quickly through forests. They can also be found on slower rivers or even small ponds in forest areas.
They eat both plants and small animals. They have been seen eating tiny snails found on rocky riverbanks. Scientists have also found seeds from water plants like water crowfoot and water milfoil in their stomachs. They also eat parts of pondweed and small water insects, like caddisfly larvae.
These ducks spend a lot of time on land, not just in the water. They don't usually dive underwater to find their food.
