Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur

Sitio realizado por aficionados a la observación de aves desde 10 de enero 2006

Two female ducks

In several duck species males have a vivid colouration meanwhile females are brown. As they go in pairs the male solves the problem of identification and the female goes unnoticed. So when females are found alone we realize we did not pay due attention to them. We begin with the females of the Ringed Teal and the Brazilian Duck, two duck species which have reopened the Coypu Pond.

Both in water or flying they show identification keys.
Standing or in water with folded wings both have white spots on the face, a green speculum, rosy legs and as it was said an overall brown colour, but....

Ringed Teal
Callonetta leucophrys
Pato de collarH/Ringed TealF© J. Simón Tagtachian
35 cm
white brow
white line from auricular zone to neck
white throat and front neck
barred flanks
clearer rosy legs
Brazilian Duck
Amazonetta brasiliensis
Pato cutiríH/Brazilian DuckF© J. Simón Tagtachian
38 cm
white spot in front of eye
white spot on bill base
white throat
flanks with a few mottles
darker rosy legs


In flight wing designs make them unmistakable.

Pato de collarH/Ringed TealF© J. Simón Tagtachian
circular white patch
Pato cutiríH/Brazilian DuckF© J. Simón Tagtachian
green and blue sheen contrasting white triangular zone