Witwenpfeifgans im Zoo Zürich

White-faced whistling duck

Dendrocygna viduata

The white-faced whistling duck has a distinctive, high-pitched whistling call. It uses its loud whistles, amongst other things, to communicate and maintain contact with other members of its species – even over long distances.

LC

Red List
Least Concern

The white-faced whistling duck is so adaptable that it has successfully spread across two continents: South America and Africa. Its diet consists of food that it finds either in shallow water or by dabbling in deeper sections, and occasionally even by diving. When dredging, it takes water into its beak and then sifts out edible plant matter using the lamellae on its beak.

The white-faced whistling duck is usually out and about in the morning and evening hours, and sometimes at night as well. It always moves in flocks, often letting out its characteristic whistle. During the day, it rests on open water or along riverbanks. It spends a great deal of time preening its plumage, and to strengthen the bond with its mate, it also preens its partner’s head and neck. 

Taxonomy

Anatidae, Dendrocygna (8 species)

Habitat

nutrient-rich inland waters

Social structure

permanent monogamy, sociable

Diet

plant parts, aquatic insects, molluscs, crustaceans

Taxonomy

Anatidae, Dendrocygna (8 species)

Habitat

nutrient-rich inland waters

Social structure

permanent monogamy, sociable

Diet

plant parts, aquatic insects, molluscs, crustaceans

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