PATO

Pato is a term with multiple meanings in Spanish and Portuguese. It commonly refers to the duck, a waterfowl in the family Anatidae, used for both wild and domestic animals. The domestic duck derives from the wild mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and has been raised for meat, eggs, and feathers for centuries. Ducks occur worldwide in wetlands, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. They are generally omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish. Distinctive features include a broad bill and webbed feet, adaptations that aid in swimming and foraging.

In cultural usage, pato appears in everyday language across Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking regions. The word can also be encountered in cuisine, folklore, and as a surname or place name in various countries.

In Argentina, pato is a traditional horseback sport that has regional popularity and formal organization. It is played by two teams on horseback who move a leather ball with eight handles toward a goal ring mounted on a post at each end of a rectangular arena. The objective is to pass the ball through the ring to score. The game emphasizes horsemanship, coordination, and teamwork, and it is played in regulated competitions and national events in Argentina and in some other countries where the sport is practiced.