White-faced Whistling-Duck Bird Details
Dendrocygna viduata
White-faced Whistling-Duck
Safed Chehre Wala Whistling-Batkh
Carl Linnaeus in 1766
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Dendrocygna
Africa: Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, Sudan, Ethiopia, Madagascar (off the eastern coast of Africa).
South America: Brazil, Bolivia.
Appearance :
The White-faced Whistling-Duck is characterized by its distinctive white face and neck, contrasting with a chestnut-brown body. It has a long neck and legs, with a slender body typical of dabbling ducks.
Behaviour :
These ducks are known for their whistling calls, hence their name. They are social birds often found in large flocks, and they are proficient swimmers and fliers.
Habitat :
They inhabit freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, and flooded grasslands. They prefer areas with emergent vegetation where they can find food and shelter.
Diet :
Their diet consists mainly of plant matter such as seeds, grasses, and aquatic plants. They may also consume small aquatic invertebrates.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
They are found across sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and parts of South America.
Population Size :
Relatively large and stable.
Life Span :
to 10-15 years.
Body And Tarsus:
The White-faced Whistling-Duck has a streamlined body with long legs and neck, typical of dabbling ducks.
Head And Bill :
The head is adorned with a white face patch, which gives the bird its name. The bill is relatively short and typically dark.
Length :
Approximately 16.5 to 18.1 inches (42 to 46 cm).
Neck :
Long and slender.
Size :
Medium-sized duck.
Tail Details :
Short tail.
Weight :
Around 450 to 800 grams.
Wing :
The wings are long and pointed.
Wing Span :
Approximately 28 to 33 inches (70 to 84 cm).
Facial Feature :
Prominent white facial patch extending from the eyes to the base of the bill.
Nest Details :
- Constructed from grasses, reeds, and other plant materials, usually near water.
- Nest made up of: Grasses, reeds, and plant materials.
Breeding Season :
During the wet season in tropical regions
Nesting Season :
Coincides with the rainy season or periods of increased water availability.
Egg Color :
Creamy white or pale buff.
Egg Length :
Approximately 53 to 64 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
About 36 to 42 mm.
Clutch Size :
6 to 12 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
multiple broods in a season
Incubation Period :
About 26 to 30 days, typically carried out by the female.
Nestling Period :
Fledge after about 55 to 65 days.
Vocalization :
Known for their whistling calls, which are distinct and often heard during flight or when disturbed.
Sex Demorphism :
Males and females look similar
Migration Details :
Non-migratory Birds.
