Lake duck
Scientific name: Oxyura vittata
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Small compact duck with stiff tail feathers held upright. Males display chestnut body with black head and white face patch; females are drabber brown with subtle facial markings. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced.
Size and weight
Males 43-48 cm, 0.6-0.7 kg; females 40-45 cm, 0.55-0.65 kg.
Habitat
Lake duck inhabits shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, and lagoons with emergent vegetation and open water. Found from lowland to moderate altitude wetlands.
Distribution
Endemic to South America, ranging from central Bolivia and Paraguay south through Argentina to Tierra del Fuego. Prefers shallow vegetated wetlands in temperate regions.
Diet
Primarily aquatic vegetation seeds and plant material; supplements with small invertebrates and crustaceans, particularly in breeding season.
Behaviour
Mostly crepuscular and nocturnal; solitary or in small pairs outside breeding season. Dives readily and remains in dense cover during daylight; active at dawn and dusk on open water.
Hunting tips
Look for droppings and trampled vegetation around shallow water edges where birds roost. Approach from downwind using reed beds and marginal cover; glass open water at first light and dusk when birds move between feeding areas. Move deliberately but quietly along water margins; birds flush with rapid wing-beats and low flight.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.