The White-Faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata) is a sub-Saharan African and South American water bird. They make a whistling sound. Sometimes they are called Tree Ducks because they perch in trees.

The White-Faced Whistling Duck has a long grey bill, a long head, and long legs. It has a black neck and head, and distinctive white face. The back and wings are dark brown to black, and the underparts are black with fine white barring on the sides. The neck is chestnut colour.

It can grow to about 40 centimetres (16 inches) tall.

They congregate in flocks.

The White-Faced Whistling Duck likes still, freshwater lakes or reservoirs, with plentiful vegetation. It feeds on seeds and other plant food.

It nests on a stick platform near the ground in tall grass. Females lay 8-12 eggs that hatch after 26-28 days. Chicks are old enough to leave the nest when they are about eight weeks old.

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM