Argentina Duck Hunting

The southern countries of South America are among the fortunate few to experience the greatest volume of the southern hemispheres wintering waterfowl migration. Each year Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil are the first to welcome the unique variety of migrating ducks throughout South America. As the winter fronts begin, the large majority of early migrating species funnel the center of South America using both the Parana River and the Uruguay River as their guide north. As they push up the river delta, they are sandwiched by the agriculture provinces of both Argentina and Uruguay. 

 

Argentina’s northeastern provinces of Buenos Aires, Entre Rios, Santa Fe, Corrientes, and Misiones, are located along the Parana River and host a significant portion of South America’s waterfowl population every year.

 

Uruguay’s western provinces of Soriano, Rio Negro, Paysandú, Salta, and Artigas are located along the Uruguay River and are also crucial holding grounds for a great number of South America’s migration.

 

The river delta between both Argentina and Uruguay is one of the greatest contributing factors in the regions ability to retain large waterfowl populations. Attracting and holding early, mid, and late season migrating species is the reason for the extraordinary shooting opportunities and wide variety of ducks.

 

The early migration……….

As winter approaches and the migration begins, the early season visitors are most commonly of the teal species. The (5) dominant species of teal have an early presence throughout the delta, and are a welcoming challenge to early season visitors. *Although the teal species make up the majority of the early migration, the larger species of waterfowl are also found in strong numbers during this time.

 

Ringed Teal

The Ringed teal is most commonly among the early migrating species of waterfowl in South America. The small bird is slightly smaller in size than the green-wing teal of North America, and is colored with a unique and vibrant feather pattern, with one white ring on each wing, giving it the name “Ringed Teal.” During the migrating months, this species is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay. The Ring teal is characterized by the white rings on its wings, is baby blue bill, and soft quit peeps while in flight. As the smallest species of teal throughout South America, the Ring teal provides challenging opportunities with its speed and sporty flying style. While this species is highly regarded for its beauty and acrobatic flying patterns, its greatest attraction is its rarity.

 

Brazilian Teal

The Brazilian teal is predominately found among the early and mid season migrating species of waterfowl in South America. The Brazilian teal is the largest teal found in South America and is similar in size to a wood duck or blue-wing teal in North America. This species is characterized by its blood red beak, iridescent green wings, and their tendency to fly at low altitudes in large groups.   They are recognized by a loud weeping whistle while in flight, and will often be heard before seen. As one of the strongest populations of teal species throughout the southern and southeastern provinces, the Brazilian teal commonly dominates the lagoons and potholes during the winter months. As a constant presence across the country, this species is highly regarded for its willingness to decoy.

 

Speckled Teal

The Speckled teal is among the early migrating species of waterfowl in South America. This teal species is also small in size and most comparable to the green-wing teal of North America. The Speckled Teal is characterized by its speckled feather patterns, yellow beak, and speedy, acrobatic flying style. This species finds comfort in numbers, and tends to fly in large groups ranging from (2-12). Their natural tendencies are to fly in unpredictable patterns at low altitudes, and generally flock within their own species. It is recognized by its loud and repetitive peeps and its fearless decoying style. The Speckled teal is highly regarded for its willingness to respond to imitation calls, and ability to decoy.

Silver Teal

 

The Silver Teal or Cappuccino teal is among the early migrating species of waterfowl in South America. The small bird is similar in size to the green-wing teal of North America, and is noted for its cappuccino cheeks, speckled feather pattern, and beautiful blue and yellow bill. The Silver Teal is unique in its flying patterns and can be found in pairs as well as large groups depending on the time of year. This teal species is recognized by its soft peeps, speedy flight, and willingness to decoy. The male and female Silver teal are identical in body size and plumage, and rarely flock outside of their species. As an early season migratory species in South America, the Silver teal is most commonly found in large flocks during the early winter months, and can quickly fill any lagoon or pothole with its healthy populations.

 

Cinnamon Teal

The Cinnamon Teal is found among the early, mid, and late migratory species. The small teal is similar in size to the blue-wing teal of North America, and is recognized by its cinnamon color, black bill, and bright red eyes. This bird is one of the few teal species that is found in both North and South America, and the bird is highly prized by sportsmen and woman for its beauty. Recognized by its colors and characterized by its far reaching migration, the Cinnamon teal is a great prize in any country, state or province.

 

The mid winter months bring about a stronger push in the larger waterfowl species. Sure to show up by mid season is the Chiloe Wigeon, Red Shoveler, and both the Yellow-billed Pintail and the White-Cheek Pintail. * Although the mid season species begin to arrive, many of the teal species have found safe and secluded wintering grounds, and their presence remains strong into the colder months.

 

Chiloe Wigeon

The Chileo Wigeon is among the mid and late migratory species of South America, and is similar to the North American species of Wigeon. The Chileo Wigeon is found across all southern countries of South America, and is highlighted by its metallic green and white head, unique feather pattern, and moderate weeping whistle. The Chileo Wigeon is most commonly found is secluded lagoons and potholes across southern South America during the migration season. The Wigeon is commonly found in small groups of (2-6) and frequently flock with other waterfowl species.

 

Yellow Billed Pintail

The Yellow Billed Pintail is found among the mid and late migratory species of South America, and is very similar to the Pintail of North America. The Yellow Bill is slightly larger than the Pintail of North America, but have similar characteristics in appearance and behavior. This species is recognized by its bright yellow bill, brown body coloration, and long sprig tail. This Pintail is most commonly found in smaller groups of (2-6) and decoy from high altitudes with a good deal of caution. Like the Pintail species of North America, the Yellow Billed Pintail prefers larger bodies of water, open fields, and secluded lakes and ponds. Their caution and decoying style make them a highly sought after game bird throughout South America.

 

White-Cheeked Pintail

The White-Cheeked Pintail is found among the mid and late migratory species of South America, and is smaller is size than the Yellow Billed Pintail. The White-Cheek is characterized by nothing other than its bold white cheeks and blood red bill. This species of Pintail is found is small flocks of (2-6) and finds comfort in the company of other waterfowl species. Unlike the Yellow Billed Pintail, the White-cheek Pintail is quicker, and frequently flies among the teal species. Much like the teal species of South America, the White-Cheek is highly sought after in South America because of its decoying style and beauty.

Red Shoveler

 

Even Mr. Hollywood exists in South America!

The Red Shoveler is found among the early, mid, and late migratory species of South America, and its only similarity to the Northern Shoveler of North America is its beak and wing patterns. The Red Shoveler is colored cinnamon red throughout its body with blue and green wing patterns and bold black bill. The Red Shoveler is recognized by it large shoveling bill, and characterized by its moderate flying speed and willingness to decoy. The Shoveler finds comfort in the presence of other waterfowl species, and commonly flocks with mixed species.

 

Following the early masses of migrating birds is the late season push. This arrival is highlighted by the presence of the Rosybill Pochard and its massive population. The Rosybills are among the few waterfowl species in South America that migrate during the coldest fronts and harshest winter weather. Their migrating tendencies are heavily reliant on strong fronts, rainfall, low temperatures,  

 *Although the Rosybill is most commonly found during the later winter months, much of the population is lured to migrate along with the mid season species. * As mentioned before, although the late season is highlight by the presences of the Rosybill and the larger waterfowl species, many of the teal are still holding strong in areas throughout Argentina.

 

Rosybill Pochard

The Rosybill is among the mid and late migratory species of South America, and is unique in all its behaviors. This species is different in size and build compared to all waterfowl species of North America, and possesses uncanny speed, body control, and decoying ability. It is slightly larger in size than a Mallard, and is colored a jet black and slate grey throughout the body. The Rosybill is recognized by its bright, red rosy bill, white striped wing, and loud, repetitive quacks. *Most notable to the bird and easily most attractive to sportsmen and women is the Rosybills decoying style. The large flocks of Rosybills frequently fly at high altitudes with great speed as if to have no desire to decoy, just as they seem to be in migratory flight, the group will cup their wings simultaneously, descended vertically from the ski, and swarm the lagoon or pothole just inches off of the water until finally the group lands in harmony as if they had rehearsed their actions the day before. The species seems to take pride in their ability to descend from high altitudes with great control and speed, making it one of the most highly sought after species in South America. 

 

Residential

 

There are few species in South America that find little need to migrate during the winter months. The White-Face Whistling duck is among the only species in Argentina to remain close to its local breading grounds and seldom migrates any notable distance. The White-Face Whistling duck is a constant presence throughout the year, and a great challenge to sportsmen and women.

 

 

White-faced Whistling Duck

The White Face Whistling Duck is among one of the few waterfowl species that does not participate in the yearly migration. The White-Face is largely residential to specific regions, and will seldom venture far from their breeding grounds. This species breeds and populates in provinces across both Uruguay and Argentina, and have a strong local population. The White Face Whistling Duck is recognized by its bright white face, black bill and neck, mahogany chest, and long grey legs. This species of duck has a flying pattern different from all other waterfowl species and is frequently mistaken because of its long legs, and strange body style. As a local population, the White Face Whistling Duck is characterized by its high flying patterns, loud, constant squealing, and cautious decoying style.

unting

 

The southern countries of South America are among the fortunate few to experience the greatest volume of the southern hemispheres wintering waterfowl migration. Each year Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil are the first to welcome the unique variety of migrating ducks throughout South America. As the winter fronts begin, the large majority of early migrating species funnel the center of South America using both the Parana River and the Uruguay River as their guide north. As they push up the river delta, they are sandwiched by the agriculture provinces of both Argentina and Uruguay. 

Argentina’s northeastern provinces of Buenos Aires, Entre Rios, Santa Fe, Corrientes, and Misiones, are located along the Parana River and host a significant portion of South America’s waterfowl population every year.

Uruguay’s western provinces of Soriano, Rio Negro, Paysandú, Salta, and Artigas are located along the Uruguay River and are also crucial holding grounds for a great number of South America’s migration.

The river delta between both Argentina and Uruguay is one of the greatest contributing factors in the regions ability to retain large waterfowl populations. Attracting and holding early, mid, and late season migrating species is the reason for the extraordinary shooting opportunities and wide variety of ducks.

 

The early migration……….

As winter approaches and the migration begins, the early season visitors are most commonly of the teal species. The (5) dominant species of teal have an early presence throughout the delta, and are a welcoming challenge to early season visitors. *Although the teal species make up the majority of the early migration, the larger species of waterfowl are also found in strong numbers during this time.

 

Ringed Teal

The Ringed teal is most commonly among the early migrating species of waterfowl in South America. The small bird is slightly smaller in size than the green-wing teal of North America, and is colored with a unique and vibrant feather pattern, with one white ring on each wing, giving it the name “Ringed Teal.” During the migrating months, this species is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay. The Ring teal is characterized by the white rings on its wings, is baby blue bill, and soft quit peeps while in flight. As the smallest species of teal throughout South America, the Ring teal provides challenging opportunities with its speed and sporty flying style. While this species is highly regarded for its beauty and acrobatic flying patterns, its greatest attraction is its rarity.

Brazilian Teal

 

The Brazilian teal is predominately found among the early and mid season migrating species of waterfowl in South America. The Brazilian teal is the largest teal found in South America and is similar in size to a wood duck or blue-wing  teal in North America. This species is characterized by its blood red beak, iridescent green wings, and their tendency to fly at low altitudes in large groups.   They are recognized by a loud weeping whistle while in flight, and will often be heard before seen. As one of the strongest populations of teal species throughout the southern and southeastern provinces, the Brazilian teal commonly dominates the lagoons and potholes during the winter months. As a constant presence across the country, this species is highly regarded for its willingness to decoy.

Speckled Teal

 

The Speckled teal is among the early migrating species of waterfowl in South America. This teal species is also small in size and most comparable to the green-wing teal of North America. The Speckled Teal is characterized by its speckled feather patterns, yellow beak, and speedy, acrobatic flying style. This species finds comfort in numbers, and tends to fly in large groups ranging from (2-12). Their natural tendencies are to fly in unpredictable patterns at low altitudes, and generally flock within their own species. It is recognized by its loud and repetitive peeps and its fearless decoying style. The Speckled teal is highly regarded for its willingness to respond to imitation calls, and ability to decoy.

Silver Teal

 

The Silver Teal or Cappuccino teal is among the early migrating species of waterfowl in South America. The small bird is similar in size to the green-wing teal of North America, and is noted for its cappuccino cheeks, speckled feather pattern, and beautiful blue and yellow bill. The Silver Teal is unique in its flying patterns and can be found in pairs as well as large groups depending on the time of year. This teal species is recognized by its soft peeps, speedy flight, and willingness to decoy. The male and female Silver teal are identical in body size and plumage, and rarely flock outside of their species. As an early season migratory species in South America, the Silver teal is most commonly found in large flocks during the early winter months, and can quickly fill any lagoon or pothole with its healthy populations.

 

Cinnamon Teal

The Cinnamon Teal is found among the early, mid, and late migratory species. The small teal is similar in size to the blue-wing teal of North America, and is recognized by its cinnamon color, black bill, and bright red eyes. This bird is one of the few teal species that is found in both North and South America, and the bird is highly prized by sportsmen and woman for its beauty. Recognized by its colors and characterized by its far reaching migration, the Cinnamon teal is a great prize in any country, state or province.

 

The mid winter months bring about a stronger push in the larger waterfowl species. Sure to show up by mid season is the Chiloe Wigeon, Red Shoveler, and both the Yellow-billed Pintail and the White-Cheek Pintail. * Although the mid season species begin to arrive, many of the teal species have found safe and secluded wintering grounds, and their presence remains strong into the colder months.

 

Chiloe Wigeon

 

The Chileo Wigeon is among the mid and late migratory species of South America, and is similar to the North American species of Wigeon. The Chileo Wigeon is found across all southern countries of South America, and is highlighted by its metallic green and white head, unique feather pattern, and moderate weeping whistle. The Chileo Wigeon is most commonly found is secluded lagoons and potholes across southern South America during the migration season. The Wigeon is commonly found in small groups of (2-6) and frequently flock with other waterfowl species.

 

Yellow Billed Pintail

 

The Yellow Billed Pintail is found among the mid and late migratory species of South America, and is very similar to the Pintail of North America. The Yellow Bill is slightly larger than the Pintail of North America, but have similar characteristics in appearance and behavior. This species is recognized by its bright yellow bill, brown body coloration, and long sprig tail. This Pintail is most commonly found in smaller groups of (2-6) and decoy from high altitudes with a good deal of caution. Like the Pintail species of North America, the Yellow Billed Pintail prefers larger bodies of water, open fields, and secluded lakes and ponds. Their caution and decoying style make them a highly sought after game bird throughout South America.

 

White-Cheeked Pintail

 

The White-Cheeked Pintail is found among the mid and late migratory species of South America, and is smaller is size than the Yellow Billed Pintail. The White-Cheek is characterized by nothing other than its bold white cheeks and blood red bill. This species of Pintail is found is small flocks of (2-6) and finds comfort in the company of other waterfowl species. Unlike the Yellow Billed Pintail, the White-cheek Pintail is quicker, and frequently flies among the teal species. Much like the teal species of South America, the White-Cheek is highly sought after in South America because of its decoying style and beauty.

Red Shoveler

Even Mr. Hollywood exists in South America!

 

The Red Shoveler is found among the early, mid, and late migratory species of South America, and its only similarity to the Northern Shoveler of North America is its beak and wing patterns. The Red Shoveler is colored cinnamon red throughout its body with blue and green wing patterns and bold black bill. The Red Shoveler is recognized by it large shoveling bill, and characterized by its moderate flying speed and willingness to decoy. The Shoveler finds comfort in the presence of other waterfowl species, and commonly flocks with mixed species.

 

Following the early masses of migrating birds is the late season push. This arrival is highlighted by the presence of the Rosybill Pochard and its massive population. The Rosybills are among the few waterfowl species in South America that migrate during the coldest fronts and harshest winter weather. Their migrating tendencies are heavily reliant on strong fronts, rainfall, low temperatures,  

 *Although the Rosybill is most commonly found during the later winter months, much of the population is lured to migrate along with the mid season species. * As mentioned before, although the late season is highlight by the presences of the Rosybill and the larger waterfowl species, many of the teal are still holding strong in areas throughout Argentina.

 

 

Rosybill Pochard

The Rosybill is among the mid and late migratory species of South America, and is unique in all its behaviors. This species is different in size and build compared to all waterfowl species of North America, and possesses uncanny speed, body control, and decoying ability. It is slightly larger in size than a Mallard, and is colored a jet black and slate grey throughout the body. The Rosybill is recognized by its bright, red rosy bill, white striped wing, and loud, repetitive quacks. *Most notable to the bird and easily most attractive to sportsmen and women is the Rosybills decoying style. The large flocks of Rosybills frequently fly at high altitudes with great speed as if to have no desire to decoy, just as they seem to be in migratory flight, the group will cup their wings simultaneously, descended vertically from the ski, and swarm the lagoon or pothole just inches off of the water until finally the group lands in harmony as if they had rehearsed their actions the day before. The species seems to take pride in their ability to descend from high altitudes with great control and speed, making it one of the most highly sought after species in South America. 

 

Residential

 

There are few species in South America that find little need to migrate during the winter months. The White-Face Whistling duck is among the only species in Argentina to remain close to its local breading grounds and seldom migrates any notable distance. The White-Face Whistling duck is a constant presence throughout the year, and a great challenge to sportsmen and women.

 

 

White-faced Whistling Duck

The White Face Whistling Duck is among one of the few waterfowl species that does not participate in the yearly migration. The White-Face is largely residential to specific regions, and will seldom venture far from their breeding grounds. This species breeds and populates in provinces across both Uruguay and Argentina, and have a strong local population. The White Face Whistling Duck is recognized by its bright white face, black bill and neck, mahogany chest, and long grey legs. This species of duck has a flying pattern different from all other waterfowl species and is frequently mistaken because of its long legs, and strange body style. As a local population, the White Face Whistling Duck is characterized by its high flying patterns, loud, constant squealing, and cautious decoying style.