The White-faced Whistling Duck, Dendrocygna viduata, is a distinctive species with a long grey bill, elongated head, and relatively long legs. Its plumage is characterized by a black neck and head contrasted with a white face, which can vary in extent regionally. The back and wings are cloaked in dark brown to black, while the underparts are black with fine white barring on the flanks. A chestnut neck completes the ensemble. Both sexes are similarly attired, and juveniles resemble adults but with less pronounced head markings.
When identifying the White-faced Whistling Duck, look for the stark white face against a black head and neck. The species also has a distinctive three-note whistling call that can aid in identification even when the bird is not in sight.
These ducks favor freshwater lakes and reservoirs rich in vegetation, where they can forage for seeds and other plant-based food.
The White-faced Whistling Duck has a curious distribution, found in both sub-Saharan Africa and much of South America. It is thought that human activity may have contributed to their spread across these continents.
