ML201991431 IBC 1577660

Iruzkina

A male Falklands Steamerduck preening on a sandy beach. The Falklands Steamerduck (Tachyeres brachypterus) locally known as a “Logger” is a goose-sized, flightless carnivorous marine duck endemic to the Falkland Islands. Steamerducks mainly eat shellfish – similar to Eiders in the Northern hemisphere. When agitated, Steamerducks ‘steam’ – thrashing their stubby wings on the water – reminiscent of old-time paddle steamers. This male Falklands Steamerduck was preening on the beach near Carcass Island Lodge, with a Tussacbird (or Blackish Cinclodes, Cinclodes antarcticus antarcticus) darting around it. Elevation: 174 m. Date added to IBC: April 14, 2019.