Birds
Torrent duck
Merganetta armataConservation statusLeast Concern
DietInsect larvae (young insects) from the bottom of the stream
LifespanNot precisely known
Size and weightAbout 40 cm
A small, long and thin duck. The male has a white head with black stripes, and the female has an orange-red belly.
Striped head
What makes it specialIt swims and dives in fast, wild water and holds on to the wet rocks.
Surprising factAlmost no other duck in the world can do this.
PopulationQuite rare, on fast mountain rivers.
The Pastaza River around Baños