Black-headed duck

Heteronetta atricapilla blackheadedduck (cropped)

Black-headed Duck (Heteronetta atricapilla) is a species of waterfowl in the family Anatidae. It is the only member of the genus Heteronetta. This species is native to southern South America, primarily found in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Description[edit | edit source]

The Black-headed Duck is a small, distinctive duck with a length of approximately 40 cm (16 in). The male has a striking black head, while the female has a more subdued brownish head. Both sexes have a dark brown body with lighter underparts. The bill is relatively short and dark, and the legs and feet are also dark.

Habitat[edit | edit source]

This species inhabits a variety of wetland environments, including marshes, lagoons, and slow-moving rivers. They prefer areas with dense vegetation where they can find cover and forage for food.

Behavior[edit | edit source]

The Black-headed Duck is known for its unique reproductive strategy. Unlike most ducks, it is an obligate brood parasite, meaning it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species, such as the Rosy-billed Pochard and the Red-gartered Coot. The host species then incubates the eggs and raises the ducklings.

Diet[edit | edit source]

The diet of the Black-headed Duck consists mainly of aquatic invertebrates, such as insects and crustaceans, as well as plant material like seeds and algae. They forage by dabbling and diving in shallow water.

Conservation Status[edit | edit source]

The Black-headed Duck is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, habitat destruction and wetland drainage pose potential threats to their populations.