White-faced Whistling Duck

Striking white face and throat extending down the upper neck, bordered by a black crown and nape. Lower neck and upper breast are rich chestnut-red. Underparts are finely barred black and white, and the back and wings are dark brown with golden-brown fringes. Sexes are similar in appearance.

Pure white face contrasting with a black crown and rear neck, chestnut-brown lower neck and breast, and finely barred flanks.

Length: 38-48 cm, Wingspan: 86-100 cm, Weight: 500-800 g

A very loud, clear, three-note whistle ('see-oo-wee') often given in flight or when disturbed.

Primarily vegetarian, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants, grasses, and cultivated grains like rice, supplemented with small aquatic invertebrates.

Freshwater wetlands, shallow lakes, marshes, reservoirs, and flooded fields with abundant emergent vegetation.

Mainly resident, though some populations undertake local or regional nomadic movements in response to rainfall and seasonal water availability.

Nests are typically built on the ground hidden in tall grass or reeds, though they occasionally use tree cavities. Clutch size ranges from 6 to 12 eggs, incubated by both parents.

Other whistling duck species, but the distinct white face combined with the chestnut neck makes the White-faced Whistling Duck unmistakable within its range.

Acts as a seed disperser and plays a role in aquatic food webs by consuming seeds, aquatic vegetation, and small invertebrates.

Least Concern, with a stable population trend.

Look for them near shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, and flooded agricultural fields, often in large, vocal flocks. They are frequently active both day and night.

Unlike many typical ducks, whistling ducks form strong, long-lasting pair bonds, and both parents share equally in incubating the eggs and raising the ducklings.