Lake Duck
Oxyura vittata
Fairly common locally on lakes with surrounding reeds and wetlands with open water; spends much time sleeping. The lowland counterpart to the very similar Andean Duck; the two species may occur together in a few places, but Andean Duck is rare in lowlands, where Lake Duck is the default species. Lake Duck has a squarer head and a slightly longer tail than Andean Duck, but male plumages are very similar. Female Lake Duck often has more contrasting and paler markings with pale barring on sides and bolder stripes on the face than Andean Duck.
Identification
The lake duck grows to 36–46 centimetres (14–18 in). Females weigh 510–700 grams (18–25 oz) and males 600–850 grams (21–30 oz). Males can be distinguished from Andean duck (Oxyura ferruginea), a similar species, by being smaller and having a flatter head.<p>The lake duck holds the Guinness World Record for having the largest avian reproductive organ, from a specimen in Córdoba, Argentina that had a penis measuring 42.5 centimetres (16.7 in). It also has the longest penis of any vertebrate in relation to body length. The penis, which is typically coiled up in flaccid state, can reach about the same length as the animal itself when fully erect, but more commonly is about half the bird's length. It has a soft tip and spiny base. It is theorized that the size of their spiny penises with bristled tips may have evolved in response to competitive pressure in these highly promiscuous birds, removing sperm from previous matings in the manner of a bottle brush.<p>Although most male birds have no penis, ducks have a long corkscrew penis, and the females have a long corkscrew vagina, which spirals in the opposite direction. The males often try to force copulation, but the complex mating geometry allows the females to retain control—most forced copulations do not result in successful fertilization.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Oxyura vittata
- Authority
- (Philippi, 1860)
- Order
- Anseriformes
- Family
- Anatidae
- Genus
- Oxyura
Range and habitat
The lake duck is a partially migratory species. It lives in bodies of freshwater with large amounts of vegetation, such as wetlands and lakes. It is very widespread, naturally occurring in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and having been introduced to the Falkland Islands. It has a stable population of 6,700–67,000, with no major threats. As of 2016, it is listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List.
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
Little is known about the lake duck's diet, but it is believed to consist of small invertebrates, seeds, and plant remains. The breeding season varies between countries, occurring from October to January in Argentina. Males produce popping noises and "mechanical rustling noises" for display.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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