Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• White-water Ducks

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

Aviculture Information

Notes

Torrent ducks may be maintained full-winged in an aviary with clear running water and rock formations and fed on standard waterfowl pellets, which may be supplemented with mealworms. They do not need to be fed in water. They will use boxes for roosting in cold weather and also while moulting.

These ducks do not appear to be aggressive to other species, but can be very aggressive to one another. It is suggested that intended pairs should be kept together from the time the young birds are developing their first feathers. Even birds maintained together in this way may become aggressive at a later stage: either male or female may become aggressive to their mate and birds may be lost due to this aggression. Forming pairs between adult birds is very difficult and great caution is required. A new bird introduced to replace a mate is likely to be attacked. If new pair formation is necessary the birds should be introduced in a new enclosure (not home territory to either bird), and kept separated by wire initially, only being put together when their behaviour indicates good pair formation. However, aggression may occur even in apparently compatible pairs.

Nest boxes should be provided built into or on rock formations. 

Artificial rearing of ducklings is not difficult. Ducklings have very advanced development when hatched. They are very active and good jumpers and may jump vertically perhaps 18 inches (45cm): an extra deep brooder box is required and a wire cover should be used. They may be reared in groups and have been reared successfully off water, although is is possible that rearing on water might be preferable. Ducklings may be reared on standard starter or chick crumbs fed dry; they tend to take these from around the outside of the food bowl. Bacterial enteritis has been reported in juveniles when bad weather forced a delay in getting the ducklings outside.

(V.w9)

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Subspecies variations:- M. a. armata black ‘tear’ down from eye to join black throat and sometimes dorsally from eye to crown. M a. armata: breast and underside black, flanks brown with black streaks, elongated mantle and scapular feathers white with black centres; M. a. columbiana breast, flanks and underparts pale grey striped with black, elongated scapulars brown with black centres; M. a. leucogenis varying from brown-and-black scapulars, white-and black underparts (leucogenis) to pale brown-and-black scapulars and underparts (garleppi), white-and-black scapulars, brown-and-black underparts (berlepschi) to brown-and black scapulars, blackish underparts (turneri).
(B1, B3, B5, B8, B25)

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Wander to find their own territory (B8).

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Sedentary once territory established (B1, B8).

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Decreasing population (B1, B8, B25)

Merganetta armata leucogenus - Peruvian torrent duck, and Merganetta armata colombiana - Columbian torrent duck aare considered Vulnerable (B44.9.w1)

Captive Populations

Trade