Falkland steamer duck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Falkland steamer duck |
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Tachyeres
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| Species: |
brachypterus
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The Falkland steamer duck (Tachyeres brachypterus) is a special type of steamer duck that lives only on the Falkland Islands. These islands are located in the southern Atlantic Ocean. It is one of only two bird species that are endemic (meaning they are found nowhere else) to the Falkland Islands. The other unique bird is called Cobb's wren.
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About the Falkland Steamer Duck
The Falkland steamer duck has very short wings. This is why its scientific name, brachypterus, means "short wing" (brachy = "short", pteron = "wing"). Because of its small wings, this duck cannot fly at all!
Most of its feathers are dark grey. It also has a clear white stripe right behind its eye. It can be quite tricky to tell the Falkland steamer duck apart from the flying steamer duck. This is because they live in the same areas, and even though the flying steamer duck can fly, it usually doesn't.
Historical Observations of the Steamer Duck
The famous scientist Charles Darwin wrote about these ducks when he visited the Falkland Islands in 1833. He observed them closely during his journey on the ship The Voyage of the Beagle.
Darwin noticed how quickly these ducks moved on the water. He said they were like "race-horses" because of their amazing speed. Later, people started calling them "steamers" because of how they paddle and splash. He described how they use their small wings to help them move very fast across the water, almost like paddles.
He also found that these ducks have incredibly strong beaks and heads. This is because they eat mostly shellfish that they find in the kelp beds and on the rocks near the ocean. Their strong heads help them break open the shells to get their food. Darwin was surprised by how tough these birds were!
Images for kids
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The Falkland steamer duck is primarily found on rugged coastlines.
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See also
In Spanish: Pato vapor malvinero para niños
