From Opus

Dendrocygna viduata

Photo by leon
Location: Sun City (200km NW of Johannesburg), South Africa.

[edit] Identification

41-46cm. White face and crown, black rear head, dark brown to black back and wings, black underparts , fine white barred flanks, chestnut neck, long grey bill. All plumages are similar; juveniles have a much less contrasted head pattern.

It has a clear three-note whistling call.

[edit] Distribution

Sub-Saharan Africa and much of South America.

[edit] Taxonomy

Monotypic.

[edit] Habitat

Still freshwater lakes or reservoirs, with plentiful vegetation.

[edit] Behaviour

It nests on a stick platform near the ground, and lays 8-12 eggs. Trees are occasionally used for nesting.

The diet includes seeds and other plant food.

[edit] External Links