White-faced Whistling Duck
(Dendrocygna viduata)
Habitat
White-faced whistling ducks live in a variety of wetland areas. Their prefer bodies of freshwater in open areas. They sometimes live in very small bodies of open water.
Physical Characteristics
These birds average 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) in length and weigh between 17.7-28.9 ounces (502-820 g). Males are usually smaller than females. The name white-faced whistling duck comes from the bird’'s white face and it's characteristic three-note whistle. The bill is black, while the throat is white. The back of the head and neck are black. Legs and feet are gray. The lower neck, chest and back are rust colored, while the sides are narrowly barred black and white. They are long-legged and long-necked ducks.
Life Span
Life span in the wild not documented. A white-faced whistling duck lived nearly 12 years at Woodland Park Zoo.
Diet
In the wild: These ducks are primarily night feeders, and the mainstay of their diet is vegetation such as grass, seeds and rice, as well as aquatic invertebrates. They are particularly fond of seeds and fruits of water lilies. White-faced whistling ducks obtain their food by dabbling and diving.
At the zoo: Keepers feed them game bird chow, mealworms, grasses and romaine.
Reproduction
The breeding season for white-faced whistling ducks varies, although they seem to prefer the wet seasons. They build their nests on the ground in tall grass, usually out of grass or reeds. The female lays four to 13 eggs and incubates them for 26 -28 days. Eggs are creamy white with a pinkish hue. Nestlings are greenish-black to olive-brown on the upper side, with cream-colored spots on the back. The underside is a pale yellow. Chicks fledge in about eight weeks.
Location at the Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo no longer exhibits white-faced whistling ducks.
Conservation Connection
White-faced whistling ducks are abundant in many parts of Africa and South America. Although the white-faced whistling duck is not considered endangered or threatened, the same cannot be said for other duck species.
Worldwide, many duck species face extinction, due to habitat loss, human harvesting of eggs, hunting and pollution. As of 2004, in the family Anatidae there are at least 15 species listed as endangered, and 11 species listed as vulnerable.
Woodland Park Zoo is Helping - With Your Support!
For many animals, flexible and sustainable conservation programs are essential. Partnerships with other zoos can support healthy captive populations, while in-situ field work provides successful on-ground solutions for helping the white-faced whistling duck's habitat.
Each in-situ project supported by the zoo aims to provide a broad, holistic approach to conservation, encompassing research, education, habitat and species preservation. This includes comprehensive, cooperative strategies to link the needs of animals with the people who share their ecosystems.
How You Can Help!
The effort to save animal species requires cooperation and support at the international, national, regional and individual levels. You can help in this cause. Join and become active in Woodland Park Zoo and other conservation organizations of your choice. Let your elected representatives know your views on protecting endangered species and wild habitats. Please do not buy products made from wild animal parts and buy only captive-bred birds as pets. Eliminate or reduce pesticide use. Protect and preserve natural habitats.
Contact Woodland Park Zoo webkeeper@zoo.org to find out how you can support conservation efforts at the zoo.
Sources and Suggested Reading
del Hoyo, Josep et al. 1992. Handbook of the Birds of the World, Volume 1. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain. 696 p.
Madge, Steve and Hilary Burn. 1988. Waterfowl: An Identification Guide to the Ducks, Geese and Swans of the World. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA. 298 p.
Mackworth-Praed, C.W. and C.H.B. Grant. 1969. Birds of the Southern Third of Africa, Volume 1 . Longmans, Green and Co Ltd, London, England. 688 p.
Scott, Sir Peter, ed. 1974. The World Atlas of Birds . Crescent Books, New York, NY. 272 p.
Other Resources
Gamebird and Waterfowl Page: http://www.gbwf.org/
Woodland Park Zoo Animal Management Staff: Personal Correspondence
Woodland Park Zoo - Teachers Packet Fact Sheet (White-faced whistling duck)