The specific name commemorates the Pincoya, a female water spirit of the Chilote mythology.

After being first brought to the attention of the world from photographs taken by Seamus Enright and Michael O'Keeffe in 2009 this species was finally formally discovered and examined in 2011 and scientifically described in 2013.

It is known "only from waters near Chiloé Island (Reloncavi Sound and the Chacao Channel), Chile".

The nape, mantle and scapulars, back and upper rump are washed silvery-gray.

Some scapulars and the longest tertials have narrow but distinct white edges.