This month, we're focusing on a species that calls our new and improved Waterfall Pen home. Cover image by Sam Stafford.
The bronze-winged duck (Speculanas specularis), also known as the spectacled duck, is a dabbling duck that lives in the wild on the forested rivers and wetlands of South America. They are named after their beautiful irridescent 'speculum' (coloured patch on the secondary wing feathers).
Quick-fire bronze-winged duck facts:
- Identifiable by the bold white patches on their cheeks, white collar, and orange legs.
- Often placed in the genus 'Anas' with other dabbling ducks, but actually belong to their own distinct genus. The closest relative is either the Brazilian duck or crested duck.
- Known locally as "pato perro" or "dog-duck" after the harsh barking call of the female.
- Can live in high-altitude areas of the Andes and Patagonia up to 1,500m above sea level.
- Unlike other duck species they don't tend to gather in groups, preferring to stay separate as an individual or pair. This makes them more difficult to see.
- Have a small population size estimated at under 7,000, so are currently classified as 'near threatened' by the IUCN.
- Prefer to live near fast-flowing water, feeding on plants and small invertebrates.
Recent work in the Waterfall Pen has focused on improving water flow along the riverbed. Previously built-up mud has been cleared in one of the streams so that the water flow can support habitat quality and improve visitor experience. Come and see the Living Collection team's efforts and the happy inhabitants soon!
Check back next month for another feathered feature
Is there a specific bird on site that you'd like to learn more about? Nominate them as our next 'bird of the month' by sending us a message on social media.
