White-faced Whistling-duck
Dendrocygna viduata
Iguasa Careta
Song
White-faced Whistling-duck
The White-faced Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna viduata). Read in Spanish
Appearance: The white-faced whistling duck measures 46 cm (18 in). It has a white face usually dirty. In flight wings are dark. It has a long grey bill, a long head and legs. It has a black neck and head, and a distinctive white face that gives it its name, though the amount of white color visible has regional variations among the species. The back and wings are dark brown to black, and the underparts are black with a fine white barring on the flanks. The neck is chestnut. Males and females have similar plumage. Juveniles are similar in color to the adults but juveniles have less contrast in the color pattern of the head.
Habitat: It is believed that this species has been transported to new countries worldwide by humans. This bird is adapted to freshwater lakes or reservoirs, with plentiful vegetation, where this duck feeds on seeds and other plant food. It also captures food by diving. These ducks can be seen on the surface of salty water near mangrove areas.
Breeding: It nests on a stick platform near ground. The female lays 4 to 13 creamed-color eggs that are incubated up to 28 days. Trees are occasionally used for nesting.
Conservation: this duck is classified as a species of "Least Concern" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Distribution
The White-faced Whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) is not native to Colombia, but it has been reported as a rare vagrant or occasional visitor to the country. Its presence in Colombia is sporadic and limited.
There have been occasional sightings of white-faced whistling ducks in various regions of Colombia, primarily along the northern coast and in wetland areas. These sightings suggest that the species may make occasional flights to Colombia from its primary range in Africa, potentially due to vagrant individuals being swept off course during migration.However, it important to note that the white-faced whistling duck is not considered a resident or breeding species in Colombia. Its presence in the country is considered irregular and uncommon. For birdwatchers and ornithologists in Colombia, spotting a white-faced whistling duck would be regarded as a rare and exciting occurrence.
Taxonomy
The taxonomy for the white-faced whistling duck:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Anseriformes (Waterfowl)
- Family: Anatidae (Ducks, geese, and swans)
- Subfamily: Dendrocygninae (Whistling ducks)
- Genus: Dendrocygna
- Species: Dendrocygna viduata
The White-faced Whistling duck belongs to the family Anatidae, which includes various species of ducks, geese, and swans. Within this family, it is classified under the subfamily Dendrocygninae, commonly known as whistling ducks. The genus of the White-faced Whistling duck is Dendrocygna, and its species name is viduata.
So, the scientific name for the White-faced Whistling duck is Dendrocygna viduata.
Vocalization
The white-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) is named for its distinctive whistling vocalizations, which it uses for communication and social interactions. Here are some details about its vocalizations:
- Whistling Calls: The white-faced whistling duck produces a series of high-pitched, melodious whistles that give it its name. These whistling calls are typically soft and flute-like in tone, often described as a "wee-oo" or "wee-ee-oo" sound. The calls can vary in pitch and intensity, and they are often repeated in a rhythmic pattern.
- Contact Calls: White-faced whistling ducks also use contact calls to stay in touch with their flock or mate. These calls are typically short, sharp, and repetitive, resembling a rapid series of "click-clack" or "tik-tik" sounds. Contact calls help individuals maintain group cohesion and coordinate their movements.
- Alarm Calls: When white-faced whistling ducks perceive a potential threat or danger, they emit loud and rapid honking calls. These alarm calls are designed to alert other members of the flock about the presence of a predator or disturbance, and they can vary in intensity depending on the perceived level of threat.
Vocalizations may vary slightly among individuals and can be influenced by various factors such as age, sex, and context. White-faced whistling ducks are generally social birds, and their vocalizations play an important role in maintaining group cohesion and communication within their flock.
