Found on lakes and wetlands at high altitudes (2800-4500m) in the Andes in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. Can also be seen on the coast and at lower altitudes. It is sometimes considered a separate species rather than a subspecies of the North American Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), which has a white face. The exact status of the subspecies Oxyura jamaicensis andina (found in Colombia) is uncertain. Local names: Pato zambullidor, Pato malvasia, Pato rana de pico ancho.