Size: Length; 43-54cm. Weight; 830-940g.

Age: 20-30 years.

Habitat and distribution: Small lakes, swamps and marshes in the open countryside of southern South America and the Falkland Islands.

Groups and breeding: These ducks live either in small groups or flocks of a few hundred birds after breeding. Pair bonds are not permanent, with individuals choosing a new mate every season, however during the breeding season the bonds are particularly strong for this type of duck. Between six and twelve eggs are laid with an incubation of around 25 days. The males do not assist in incubation but do help to protect the nest from predators. Young fledge at around six weeks old.

Diet: Water plants, grasses, plankton, crustaceans and occasionally tadpoles.

• The breeding season starts with a display where both sexes lift their chins and whistle.
• The unusual name comes from Chiloe Island off the coast of Chile.
• One of the 147 species of the Anatidae family, which includes all ducks, geese and swans, more commonly known as wildfowl or waterfowl.
• Waterfowl bodies are adapted for a highly aquatic life, with webbed feet for swimming and a body shaped to improve buoyancy in the water and a thick covering of feathers for insulation. Different species specialise to fill different niches.  
• All species have an oil-gland which is used whilst preening to maintain waterproofing of their feathers; the oil-gland is highly developed in this family.
• All species have salt glands above each eye, which filter the blood and excrete excess salt.
• Wildfowl have had a long association with humans; the Mallard is the direct ancestor of almost all current breeds of domestic duck. Humans utilise this family for meat, eggs, and feathers and in some countries ducks are even kept around houses to control insect numbers.