The Chiloe Wigeon is a very popular bird in collections of wildfowl. In common with most Southern Hemisphere ducks the plumage is very similar in both sexes and it is more colourful than that of most species which are found in such climes. The distribution is in South America from Southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, northern Argentina and Central Chile to Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands. The Chiloe is a fresh water bird, frequenting lakes and marshes, preferring open waters.
The display and voice of the Chiloe Wigeon have their peculiarities. Both sexes lift the chin and call in the same way. The whistle of the male is often used as a call note and the birds are somewhat fussy but any skirmishes are really only abortive fights
In captivity the species is particularly charming when kept in groups in that the frequent chattering and head bobbing are most appealing. All Wigeon have a short stubby bill adapted for grazing and the Chiloe enjoys a grassy sward. It nests in undergrowth or in a box at ground level.
Chiloe
Wigeon |
Cape Teal
|
Tufted
Duck |
Bar-Headed
Geese |