North American torrent duck (SciiFii)

The North American torrent duck (Merganetta floridanus) is a species of duck of the shelduck subfamily Tadorninae that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, open woodlands, lakes, rivers, and ponds across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the North American torrent duck is the South American torrent duck (Merganetta armata). The North American torrent duck is an average-sized duck, growing up to around 43–46-centimetre (17–18 inches) long. It is a powerful swimmer and diver even in white water, but is reluctant to fly more than short distances. It is not particularly wary when located. Male North American torrent ducks have a striking black and white head and neck pattern and a red bill. In flight they show dark wings with a green speculum. Females are somewhat smaller than the male; they have orange underparts and throat, with the head and upperparts grey and a yellower bill. Juveniles are pale grey above and whitish below. The male's call is a shrill whistle, while the female's is a throatier whistle. The North American torrent ducks feed on larvae and pupae usually found under rocks, aquatic animals, plant material, seeds, small fish, snails, and crabs. Instead of "teeth," The North American torrent ducks have serrations (saw-like edges) on their bills that allow them to filter food out of the water. Male North American torrent ducks are adorned with elaborately patterned plumage to attract females. During courtship, male North American torrent ducks use distinct postures as part of courtship. They will repetitively bow, rapidly flap their wings and kick up water with their legs. Courtship also includes vocal communication between males and females. It is common for a male and female bird to swim around each other, rising out of the water and snapping at one another during courtship. Once a partner is found, the two North American torrent ducks are monogamous for life. The eggs of North American torrent ducks are laid as early as February or as late as April. Nests are well hidden and created in deep crevices alongside rivers, in anything from a hollow tree to an abandoned cave. Nests can be anywhere between seven and ninety feet on a cliff above the river. The white eggs are large in proportion to females; the clutch can weigh up to half the body weight of the mother duck. The long incubation period is essential to ensure development for young ducklings to be able to swim and survive the harsh waters of their environment. Both male and female North American torrent ducks care for their offspring. Males don't incubate eggs, but females will not return to a nest for incubation unless the male is present. The male assists the female in protecting and caring for the young. Immediately after hatching, the young take on the dangerous currents of the rivers in which they live. Males and females remain close to the young. Females fly down to the turbulent waters below the nest and insistently call the ducklings. Ducklings plunge from their cliff nests into the water below. It is not uncommon for the ducklings to propel off of rocks and vegetation on the side of the cliffs before reaching the bottom. They are not harmed by this, partially because they are so small (only 35 grams) and heavily wrapped in down, which slows down their fall from the nest and also cushions their landing. The parents aid the ducklings in order to guide them through the dangerous water, keeping the newly hatched ducklings between themselves and the bank. The ducklings are immediately able to swim in these fast currents. If a duckling is swept downstream by the current, both parents chase after it to save it. The average lifespan of the North American torrent duck in the wild is around 13 years, while the North American torrent ducks living in captivity, if properly cared for, can live to be more than 20 years. The conservation status of the North American torrent duck is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American torrent duck's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.