Oxyura fossil map
Where fossils of Oxyura have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 0 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 0 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Prehistoric birds |
|---|---|
| Lived | 9.4 million years ago to the present (Tortonian to Holocene) |
| Periods | Neogene, Quaternary |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Named by | Bonaparte 1828 |
| Fossil records | 17 occurrences at 16 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | United States, Mexico, Italy, New Zealand |
| Rock formations | txn:39624, Tamiami, Manix, Palm Springs |
About Oxyura
The stiff-tailed ducks, the genus Oxyura, are part of the Oxyurini tribe of ducks.
All ducks in the genus have, as their name implies, long, stiff tail feathers which are erect when the bird is resting. They all have relatively large, swollen bills. These are freshwater diving ducks. Their legs are set far back, which makes them awkward on land and they rarely leave the water.
Their uncommon displays involve drumming noises from inflatable throat sacs, throwing its head back, and erect short crests on its head. Plumage sequences are complicated and aging difficult. Plumage is vital for survival because the bird spends most of its time in the water.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Stiff-tailed duck (revision 1338153888), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 23 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q844705.
