Weißkopf-Dampfschiffente

The Chubut Steamer Duck (Tachyeres leucocephalus) is a large, flightless or near-flightless diving duck endemic to the Atlantic coast of Patagonia, Argentina, particularly in Chubut Province from which its name derives. It belongs to the genus Tachyeres, commonly known as steamer ducks due to their habit of propelling themselves across the water by flapping their short wings and paddling their large feet simultaneously, resembling a steamboat's paddle wheels. T. leucocephalus is assessed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to its restricted range along a limited stretch of Patagonian coastline and relatively small total population. The species inhabits rocky coastlines, kelp beds, and sheltered coastal bays, feeding primarily on marine invertebrates including crustaceans, molluscs, and echinoderms obtained by diving in intertidal and subtidal zones. Like other steamer ducks, it is highly territorial, with pairs defending stretches of coastline year-round. The white-headed appearance of adult males gives the species its scientific name leucocephalus. Threats include disturbance from coastal development, oil spills, and persecution. The Chubut coastline and associated marine areas receive some conservation protection, though the species remains at risk from localized catastrophic events.