Spectacled Duck

Speculans specularis
Kupferspiegelente

Classification: dabbling ducks
Distribution: southern South America
Habitat: forested river, fast flowing streams
Size: 46 – 54 cm
Weight: 960 – 1130 g
Clutch Size: 4 – 6 eggs
Incubation: 30 – 31 days
Diet: plants, snails, insects

The Spectacled Duck can be found in forested rivers in the middle and higher slopes of the Andes. The species is named after its “bronze” speculum (distinctly coloured patch on the secondary wing feathers). Male and female are very similar in physical appearance. The female utters barking calls and is thus known as the “dog-duck”.

Eggs are laid on grass islands in rivers and thus are safe from the South American Gray Fox. Male and female often form long-term pairs.