These are the smallest of the three steamer ducks and the only one that can fly. It is also the only species that is found on freshwater lakes (but can occur on the sea). They are called steamer ducks because the two flightless species do the butterfly stroke across the surface moving rather like a paddle-steamer. They never occur in flocks, apart from family groups, but are usually found in pairs. The plumage is similar but the male (on the right) is a little larger and brighter. They only occur in southern South America. I photographed these two having a conversation in Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile.
Taken with Nikon D500 Nikkor 300mm f4 lens with 1.4 converter f8 1/1000 ISO 1250
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