White-faced Whistling Duck - Five Sisters Zoo

Named for the white feathers across their head, the White-faced Whistling Duck is one of several species of Whistling Duck. They have black feathers across their back and body, with chestnut feathers across their chest and a mix on the wings. Rather than the typical honk or croak of other ducks, they utilize a multi-tone whistle sound to communicate with each other, with partners often whistling to find each other if they have been separated. They may congregate in flocks of up to 1,000 birds if enough food is available, with flocks of several hundred birds being common.

Facts

Diet: Omnivore; grasses and aquatic plants, some invertebrates and crustaceans

Weight: 0.5-1kg

Length: 38-48cm

Wingspan: 75-85cm

Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa and South America; flood plains, lagoons and wetlands with robust vegetation at the shoreline for food and spaces for nesting

Life span: 10-12 years

Adapted to Survive

  • Ducklings begin to find their own food shortly after birth and are independent around 2 months old
  • Have been known to perch in trees when needed, unlike other duck species

Threats

  • Hunting for food and traditional medicine
  • Habitat loss and water pollution

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern

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