Torrent Duck

The Torrent Duck is a sleek, river‑adapted waterfowl with a long, narrow body, a slender bill, and an elongated tail that often flicks as it balances on boulders. Males are boldly patterned, with crisp black‑and‑white striping on the head and neck and rich chestnut flanks, while females are more subtly colored in warm rufous tones with a grayish head. Both sexes have strong, pinkish legs and feet built for gripping wet rocks, and their streamlined plumage helps them cut cleanly through fast, turbulent water.

• Species eBird Ecuador Link: Torrent Duck

In Ecuador, the Torrent Duck inhabits cold, swift rivers along both Andean slopes, typically between 1,000 and 4,000 meters. It is generally uncommon but reliably found in stretches of pristine, fast‑flowing water, where pairs or family groups patrol long river corridors. Its presence is closely tied to intact, unpolluted watersheds, making it a sensitive indicator of river health in the Andes.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Torrent Duck is its extraordinary ability to navigate whitewater: it dives into rapids, swims powerfully against strong currents, and even uses its wings underwater like flippers. Pairs maintain long stretches of river year‑round, often remaining together for life, and their ducklings—tiny and buoyant—can handle surprisingly rough water within days of hatching. This remarkable specialization makes the Torrent Duck one of the most charismatic and uniquely adapted birds of the Andes.