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.


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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.

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