White-backed Duck
Thalassornis leuconotus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="thalassornis-leuconotus"></birdfyi-bird>The White-backed Duck (Thalassornis leuconotus) is a bird species in the family Anatidae (ducks, geese & swans), within the order Anseriformes (waterfowl). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 33.3 cm and a weight of 704.7 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
A small compact brown-barred diving duck with a distinctive white back visible in flight and a large dark-blotched bill. Shy and easily overlooked among floating aquatic vegetation. An expert diver, feeding on water-lily seeds and tubers in African freshwater wetlands.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 33.3 cm | 13.1 in |
| Weight | 704.6666666666666 g | 24.86 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Heavily mottled and barred brown and buff overall. Diagnostic white back patch visible in flight. Head brown with whitish face and chin. Stiff tail held erect. Sexes similar; stiff-tail diving duck.
Habitat & Range
Freshwater lakes, ponds, and swamps with abundant floating aquatic vegetation, especially water lilies, in sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Prefers shallow sheltered water with emergent vegetation for cover.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Incubation: 29-33 days. Fledging: 55 days.
Clutch Size
4-10
Sound
Song
Soft, low whistles and hissing sounds. The White-backed Duck is relatively quiet compared to whistling-ducks. Alarm call is a low 'peep'. Mostly heard at night.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Thalassornis |
| Species | Thalassornis leuconotus |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the White-backed Duck live?
Is the White-backed Duck endangered?
How does the White-backed Duck nest?
What does the White-backed Duck sound like?
How big is the White-backed Duck?
What order and family does the White-backed Duck belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family