About Oxyura vittata (Philippi, 1860)
This species, commonly called the lake duck, has a scientific name of Oxyura vittata (Philippi, 1860). Adult lake ducks reach a length of 36–46 centimetres (14–18 inches). Females weigh between 510–700 grams (18–25 ounces), while males weigh between 600–850 grams (21–30 ounces). Males can be told apart from the similar related species Andean duck (Oxyura ferruginea) by their smaller size and flatter head. The lake duck is a partially migratory waterfowl species. It inhabits freshwater bodies that contain large amounts of vegetation, including wetlands and lakes. It has a very wide range, and naturally occurs in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay; it has also been introduced to the Malvinas Islands. Its population is stable, numbering between 6,700 and 67,000 individuals, and has no identified major threats. As of 2016, the lake duck is classified as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
