White-faced Whistling Duck

Overview

The white-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) is a gregarious waterbird with a peculiar disjunct distribution across sub-Saharan Africa and South America. It is an abundant species classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Long grey bill, long head, and longish legs.
• Black head and neck contrasted by a distinctive white face, with the neck itself being chestnut.
• Dark brown to black back and wings, with black underparts featuring fine white barring on the flanks.
• Emits a clear three-note whistling call.

Habitat

This species inhabits freshwater lakes and reservoirs with plentiful vegetation. It is largely resident but may make local movements of 100 km or more.

Diet

The white-faced whistling duck feeds on seeds and other plant food.

Did you know?

It has been suggested that the species' presence in both Africa and South America may be the result of being transported to new locations worldwide by humans.