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White-faced Whistling Duck
Dendrocygna viduata
The white-faced whistling duck is sometimes called the white-faced tree duck because of its habit of occasionally perching in trees. These ducks have long legs with a white face and neck area and a black and brown feathered body. Males and females look alike.
Range & Habitat
Whistling ducks have a huge range. They can be found in Central America, northern and eastern South America, as well as Saharan Africa, and Madagascar. These ducks prefer freshwater wetlands and spots by rivers and lakes
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Due to their large numbers and their large range, this species is not in danger. However, these birds are threatened by bird diseases, hunting and loss of habitat.
Diet
In the Wild - grass, seeds, aquatic plants, small aquatic invertebrates.
At the Zoo: Waterfowl mix.
Life Span
In the Wild: 10 years
In Human Care: 12 years
In Human Care: 12 years
Fun Facts about the White-faced Whistling Duck
- The call of this duck isn’t a quack, but rather a high-pitched whistle, hence its name.
- Although they have broad wings, they’re not fast but they do maneuver well in the air.
- When alarmed, these ducks freeze and stand straight.
- After they breed, white-faced whistling ducks go through a flightless molt that lasts 18-25 days.
Sources
Henry Vilas Zoo (Ed.). (2021). White-faced Whistling Duck. Retrieved February 1, 2021, from https://www.henryvilaszoo.gov/animal/white-faced-whistling-duck/
Oakland Zoo (Ed.). (2017). White Faced Whistling Duck. Retrieved February 1, 2021, from https://www.oaklandzoo.org/animals/white-faced-whistling-duck
Oregon Zoo (Ed.). (n.d.). White-faced whistling duck. Retrieved February 1, 2021, from https://www.oregonzoo.org/discover/animals/white-faced-whistling-duck
San Francisco Zoo. (2017). White-faced Whistling Duck. Retrieved February 1, 2021, from http://www.sfzoo.org/animals/birds/whitefacedwhistlingduck.htm
Updated June 13, 2023
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