The White-Faced Whistling Duck

Description:

The white-faced whistling duck is a boldly plumaged waterfowl that inhabits freshwater

lakes, marshes, rivers, and flooded plains on two continents. In South America, they range from Costa Rica to northern Argentina and Uruguay. In Africa, they are located across sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal east to Ethiopia, and south to South Africa, Madagascar, and the Comoros Islands.

Like all whistling ducks, they have very long legs and long necks, giving them a goose-like appearance. The distinctive white patch on the face and chin sharply contrasts with a black crown and neck, giving them their name. Their breast is reddish-chestnut, with a black underbelly and heavily barred black-and-white side pockets, making this one of the most striking species out of the eight species of whistling ducks around the world. It is a monotypic species, meaning a biological species that does not include any recognized subspecies or smaller infraspecific taxa within the Anatidae family. Formally described by Linnaeus in 1766, white-faced whistling ducks belong to the whistling duck genus Dendrocygna, characterized by long necks and legs, and a distinctive three-note whistling call. 

Biology:

The white-faced whistling duck is a medium-sized duck, weighing 502–820 g and measuring about 38–48 cm (roughly 1.1–1.8 pounds and 1.5 feet long). Their long legs and feet allow for easy walking and perching in trees, resembling geese more than typical ducks. Their sexual dimorphism is monomorphic, meaning males (drakes) and females (hens) look alike. Becoming sexually mature after one year, white-faced whistling ducks are a monogamous species that can pair bond for their entire lives. They breed mostly during the rainy season and nest in small colonies or family groups.

They nest mostly on the ground, concealed in dense vegetation and high grass, though nests have also been documented in tree cavities and lower tree limbs. These are constructed from local vegetation with little to no down added. Their clutch numbers from 5 to 12 cream-colored eggs that are incubated for 26 to 30 days by both parents. Some nests have been reported to have up to 30 eggs due to nest parasitism—a reproductive strategy where birds trick others into raising their offspring. After 60–85 days, the ducklings fledge and will remain with the family group throughout the non-breeding season. Their lifespan in the wild is 10–12 years.

Diet:

White-faced whistling ducks have a wide range of dietary staples, such as grasses, aquatic

seeds, tubers, mollusks, insects, and crustaceans. They primarily feed at night in the shallow water of wetlands, marshes, and rice fields. While they are largely plant-eaters, they also feed on invertebrates for protein.

Conservation Status:

White-faced whistling ducks are widespread throughout their range. In West Africa, there are an estimated 700,000 mated pairs. There are up to 2 million in East and South Africa. In Madagascar, there are up to 40,000 pairs. South America holds 1 million, bringing the total close to 4 million birds worldwide. They are listed as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN. The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world's biodiversity.

Fun Fact:

Noisy 'Dog Toys': Their call is a high-pitched, three-note whistle that is often described as sounding like a squeaky dog toy—rather than a typical duck quack.

The Carving

My approach for this carving was simple: show off the true caricature of the species. For me, the white-faced whistling duck should be represented only one way—in an alert posture. By nature, whistling ducks are very self-aware birds, and their shy nature makes them very wary. I chose this pose to show off the duck's beautiful chestnut-colored chest. From that chest, you follow the long neck turning into black and eventually ending in the white face mask they are so famous for. Moving back toward their flanks is a beautiful transition from chestnut to siennas and into those amazing black and creamy white side pockets. Carving this species in this rearing, alert position allowed me to showcase all the wonderful colors this species possesses. My wood of choice was Tupelo due to its light nature.

This wood allowed me to hollow the carving in such a way that it will properly float in the water without tipping forward due to its high neck. I used Black Limba for the bottom inlay and decorative keel, which will aide in the carving’s flotation and act as a decorative stand while on display. I chose Black Limba for its origin in Africa, where this whistling duck can be found. The carving was hand-painted in artist-grade oils, giving it a vibrant and soft finish. Finally, a brass plate that acts as the decoy’s ballast was added to the keel with the signified project stamping.