ANIMAL: Chiloe Wigeon Mareca sibilatrix Type of Animal: Duck Habitat: Freshwater lakes, lagoons, rivers, marshes, creeks, algal zones, areas w/ scattered trees Location(s): S South America ranging all way to South Georgia, South Orkney, & South Shetland Islands Appearance: Males somewhat more colorful & larger than females, male has green-blue cap & rust-colored flanks, both sexes have barred black breast, bluish-gray black-tipped bill, gray-white wing plumage, white cheeks/forehead, & gray legs/feet, female has light brown flanks, Food/Diet: Aquatic plants, grasses, sedges, coastal algae, plankton, crustaceans, tadpoles, larvae, worms, fish Status in Wild: Stable Conservation: Breeding in zoos, wildlife centers, & aviculture Lifestyle: Flocks range from 2-5,000 birds Additional Info: Called: Male: Drake Female: Hen Young: Duckling Group: Flock Weight: Male: 2.07 lbs Female: 1.83 lbs Gestation: 1 month Life Span: 20-30 years Height: Male: 1.35 ft Female: 1.2 ft Body Length: Male: 1.583 ft Female: 1.416 ft Tail Length: 0.2 in, same for both sexes Main predators are raptors & predatory mammals. While both parents take care of ducklings, only female incubates eggs. Breed from late August-December. Females lay 5-11 eggs per clutch & can lay up to 3 clutches a year. Short beaks come in handy during feeding. Both sexes produce shrill whistles, especially during breeding season. Females also give low growls & loud honks. Males & females perform mutual preening during courtship. Males also swim ahead of females & regularly turn head towards them. Nest sites established in tall grasses or under bushes, being shallow ground depressions, hidden among vegetation. Nests made w/ grass & lined w/ small feathers. Ducklings fledge at 2 months but stay w/ parents for a little longer. Sexually mature at a year old. Active during day (diurnal). Sometimes seen w/ other waterfowl species. Feed in water by head-dipping & upending. They also feed on land. Like many ducks, they mate in water. Fun Fact(s): These ducks are fairly popular w/ hunters. Sometimes hybridize w/ other waterfowl. Also called Southern Wigeon, Piebald Duck/Pato Overo, Royal Duck/Pato Real, & Chilean Wigeon. 2nd part of scientific name sibilatrix refers to whistling call.
