Steamer-Ducks in southern Chile - which? (1 Viewer)

Hi folks,

I saw the following two sets of Steamer-Ducks in southern Chile in mid-March.

1) Flying Steamer-Ducks? Seen on Rio Serrano, a fresh-water river several hours' drive inland from the Pacific coast
2) Flightless Steamer-Ducks? Seen on Seno Skyring, a saline bay on the coast.

According to Jamarillo's "Birds of Chile," Flying Steamer-Ducks are exclusively inland and fresh-water, while Flightless are exclusively coastal and salt-water. Other than that, I didn't find much to distinguish them.

What do you think?

Thanks!
-Adam-

I agree with your IDs, but I have seen flying steamer ducks on saltwater around Tierra del Fuego! Flightless has a more massive beak and is generally a bulkier bird. There are some plumage differences as well.

Rob

I think you will find that Alvaro Jaramillo states that while Flightless is exclusively marine, Flying Steamer-duck can be both marine and fresh water.
I think your ids are correct.
Have a look at my pages www.arthurgrosset.com/sabirds/flyingsteamer-duck.html and www.arthurgrosset.com/sabirds/flightlesssteamer-duck.html