Birds
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 117507900.jpg

Black-headed Duck

Black-headed Duck

100
1 week ago
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The Black-headed Duck (Heteronetta atricapilla) is a unique South American duck known for its brood parasitic behavior. Unlike most ducks, it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species, relying on foster parents to raise its young.
Where to spot
Found in South America, primarily in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and southern Brazil. Inhabits shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, and lagoons with dense emergent vegetation.
How to spot
Look for its distinctive black head, brown body, and the stiff, pointed tail, especially in males. They are often shy and prefer to stay hidden in dense vegetation. Watch for them swimming low in the water or diving quietly.
When to spot
Year-round resident within its range. Most easily observed during the breeding season (spring/summer in the Southern Hemisphere) when they are active around water bodies.
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 117507900.jpg
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 165487869.jpg
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 175916621.jpg
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 250319165.jpg
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 250319405.jpg
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 250320228.jpg
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 250417384.jpg
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 356609553.jpg
File:Heteronetta atricapilla blackheadedduck.jpg
File:Heteronetta atricapilla blackheadedduck (cropped).jpg
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 117507900.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 165487869.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 175916621.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 250319165.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 250319405.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 250320228.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 250417384.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Heteronetta atricapilla 356609553.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Heteronetta atricapilla blackheadedduck.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Heteronetta atricapilla blackheadedduck (cropped).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The Black-headed Duck is one of only two duck species globally (the other being the extinct Labrador Duck) that is known to be obligate brood parasites, never raising its own young.
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118 (Seen in the last 3 months)
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1 week ago

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