Birds
File:Merganetta armata (Pato de torrente) (24726521941).jpg

Torrent Duck

Torrent Duck

100
23 hours ago
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The Torrent Duck is a highly specialized duck found exclusively in the fast-flowing mountain rivers of the Andes. Its streamlined body and stiff tail feathers are unique adaptations for swimming and diving in turbulent, icy waters.
Where to spot
Found in clean, oxygenated, fast-flowing rivers and streams in the Andes Mountains, from Venezuela south through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
How to spot
Look for its sleek body, distinct facial patterns (white with prominent black stripes in males), and the prominent stiff tail. They cling to rocks or dive frequently, so patience and good optics are essential for observation in their challenging habitat.
When to spot
A year-round resident throughout its range. Best observed during daylight hours, often in the quieter stretches of rapids where they can be seen resting on rocks or foraging.
File:Merganetta armata (Pato de torrente) (24726521941).jpg
File:Merganetta armata (Pato de torrentes) - Macho (16286015670).jpg
File:Merganetta armata - Rio Urumamba, Peru -pair-8.jpg
File:TORRENT DUCK Merganetta armata (6058816360).jpg
File:Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata) (8077536854).jpg
File:Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata) (8077537378).jpg
File:Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata) (8077545159).jpg
File:Torrent Duck Merganetta armata (24241068867).jpg
File:Torrent Duck Merganetta armata (24241069247).jpg
File:Torrent duck (Merganetta armata) male Cosanga.jpg
File:Merganetta armata (Pato de torrente) (24726521941).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Merganetta armata (Pato de torrentes) - Macho (16286015670).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Merganetta armata - Rio Urumamba, Peru -pair-8.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:TORRENT DUCK Merganetta armata (6058816360).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata) (8077536854).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata) (8077537378).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata) (8077545159).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Torrent Duck Merganetta armata (24241068867).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Torrent Duck Merganetta armata (24241069247).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Torrent duck (Merganetta armata) male Cosanga.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The Torrent Duck is an exceptional swimmer and diver, capable of navigating and feeding in powerful, icy mountain rapids, often using its stiff tail as a rudder and its large, webbed feet to cling to submerged rocks.
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Spotted

Recently spotted
327 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
23 hours ago

Monthly observations

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