Steamer Duck Family

Falkland Flightless Steamer Ducks

This family of flightless Steamer Ducks has just come back from a swim in the very very cold ocean and are drying out on the beach.

The species has become flightless due to the lack of natural land predators on the Falklands and retreat to the ocean when they feel threatened.

The young are probably 2 – 3 weeks old and are already very happy swimming in the choppy ocean.

The flightless nature of these birds means that they weather the severe Falklands winter on the islands as they cannot migrate. It is another testament to just how tough these birds are.