White-backed Duck

The White-backed Duck, known scientifically as Thalassornis leuconotus, is a unique waterbird that stands apart from its kin. It shares a closer relationship with the whistling ducks of the Dendrocygninae subfamily, yet it also bears resemblance to the stiff-tailed ducks within the Oxyurinae subfamily. This species is the sole representative of the genus Thalassornis.

Identification Tips

These ducks are supremely adapted for an aquatic life, with a particular proficiency for diving. In moments of peril, they can submerge themselves for durations reaching up to thirty seconds. Their namesake white back is seldom seen, as they prefer to evade threats by diving rather than flight.

Habitat

The White-backed Duck thrives in a variety of wetland habitats across Africa. These include lakes, ponds, swamps, and marshes, where their plumage provides excellent camouflage from predators.

Distribution

Their range spans the African continent, from Senegal and Chad in the west, across to Ethiopia in the east, and down to the southern reaches of South Africa.

Diet and Feeding

These ducks have a diet that primarily consists of the bulbs of waterlilies, complemented by seeds and leaves of waterlilies and other aquatic plants. The larvae of lake flies also constitute an important food source for the young.

Behaviour

The White-backed Duck exhibits a strong preference for diving as a means of escape from danger. This behavior is so predominant that the characteristic white back is rarely visible in the wild.

Conservation status

The White-backed Duck is subject to the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). The Madagascar subspecies, in particular, has been the focus of conservation efforts, with a nesting survey at Lake Antsamaka indicating the site's importance. However, population estimates suggest that the numbers may be declining, with the African population possibly numbering between 10,000 to 25,000 individuals.