COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE

Waterfowl Birds X

Issue Date: 9 September 1999





This set of six stamps depicts the most commonly observed species of duck in the Falkland Islands. Two of these species, the Flightless Steamer Duck and Patagonian Crested Duck, are predominantly marine species; the Yellow-billed Teal, Brown Pintail and Silver or Versicolor Teal are typically freshwater species, while the Chiloe Wigeon in the Falkland Islands adapts to both marine and freshwater environments.

Falkland Flightless Steamer Duck (Tachyeres brachypterus)

A species restricted to the Falkland Islands, although a similar duck, T. pteneres is found on the coasts of Southern Chile, Tierra del Fuego, Straits of Magellan and in the Beagle Channel.

The Falkland Island's species is common to most coastal areas of the archipelago, in particular the more sheltered and shallower inshore waters where it feeds and has easy access to land. This flightless and very large duck - males can reach a weight of 4.3 kg, females about 3 kg - feeds largely on marine shellfish, limpets, chitons and mussels which it wrenches from the seabed or the holdfasts of kelp seaweeds with its powerful bill. Probably through this method of feeding, it has developed the heavy neck and breast muscles which, along with its short but stocky wings, are a feature of the species.

This duck is not capable of sustained flight but by rapid paddle-like wing beats "steams" over the surface when escaping or chasing off other ducks. Very territorial, especially in the breeding season when it is not uncommon for males to battle until one bird is killed.

Breeding commences with egg laying in mid September to mid October, nests being formed and attended to by the female, who in some situations may nest several hundred metres inland. Once the young are hatched they are brought to the coast, spending much of their time on the water.

Patagonian Crested Duck or Grey Duck (Lophonetta s. specularioides)

A resident breeding species of the Falkland Islands which is also found in Southern South America, coastal regions of Tierra del Fuego, Southern Chile and Patagonia.

A fairly common marine species in most areas of the archipelago although like the steamer duck prefers the more sheltered bays and inlets which have extensive tidal reaches. Obtains its food by dabbling and foraging amongst seaweeds which grow inshore and in tidal pools. Feeds on small marine creatures, isopods and small forms of shell fish such as bivalves.

The breeding season is very extended, commencing in August through to March, even April, with pairs often producing two broods. Generally nests close to shoreline with nests often well hidden in tussock grass or other thick vegetation. It is quite common to see breeding trios with two males attending one female. Fairly territorial and aggressive to each other. Displays by raising the crest at the back of the head and is often observed swimming rapidly backwards.

Yellow-billed Teal (Anas flavirostris)

A common resident breeder in the Islands and also in the Southern parts of South America. The smallest of the waterfowl found in the Falkland Islands, standing approximately 7-8 inches.

It is very widespread in the Islands and most adaptable, inhabiting a variety of environmental niches from open grassland areas to dense tussock-covered islands. Will feed in marine areas but more commonly in fresh water. Pairs may breed close to streams, lakes, coastal ponds or even the smallest stands of water far inland where they can feed on seeds, small aquatic life and vegetation.

Commences breeding in August, the early austral spring. Can rear more than one brood. Often fairly tame and quite curious of human beings. Has very distinct rapid wingbeats which give it swift flight.

Brown Pintail or Yellow-billed Pintail (Anas georgica spinicauda)

A resident breeding species in the Falkland Islands and also Chile, Argentina and as far north as Colombia. Not a common species in the Islands but fairly well distributed over the two main islands of East and West Falkland and some of the larger islands.

Similar in colouration to the Yellow-billed Teal but much larger, with longer neck and distinctly longer pointed tail. A very shy and wary species, generally seen as a single pair on larger freshwater ponds. Feeds on aquatic plant and animal life, but little is known about its breeding in the Falkland Islands. This duck may migrate to South America in winter.

Chiloe Wigeon (Anas sibilatrix)

Found in Southern South America from Chile to Southern Brazil, it is a resident breeder in the Falkland Islands.

A very distinct species and unlikely to be confused with other Falkland waterfowl. Even in flight the predominant black and white markings are very evident. It also has a very distinct whistling call typical of wigeons. Flight very rapid and with an erratic twisting movement.

This duck is fairly well distributed in the Falkland Islands but not a common species and more likely to be observed in coastal areas. Feeds both on freshwater ponds and in marine environments, grazing on vegetation and taking small forms of freshwater and marine life.

A shy species and quite secretive. Begins breeding in September, nesting in coastal situations. Known to breed in the cover of deep tussock grass, but little is known of its breeding cycle in the Falkland Islands.

Silver Teal or Versicolour Teal (Anas versicolor fretensis)

A resident breeding species in the Falkland Islands with three races found in Southern South America.

One of the most colourful and attractive waterfowl species found in the Falkland Islands. Slightly larger than the Yellow-billed Teal, but not as widely distributed or as common. Generally restricted to areas where thickly vegetated freshwater ponds are more common. Feeds by dabbling in shallows for animal life or foraging through aquatic plants for seeds or vegetation.

Little is known about the breeding of this duck in the Islands, although populations in some parts of South America are known to rear more than two broods.

First Day Cover



Technical details:

Designer: Ian J Strange MBE
Printer: Walsall Security Printers Ltd
Process: Lithography
Perforation: 14.1 per 2 cms
Stamp size: 30.56 x 38 mm
Paper: Crown Agents watermarked
Pane: 50 (2 x 25)



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