WATERFOWL of Africa
The order Anseriformes contains about 150 living species of birds in three families: the Anhimidae (the screamers), Anseranatidae (the Magpie Goose), and the Anatidae, which includes over 140 species of waterfowl, among them the ducks, geese, and swans. All species in the order are web-footed for efficient swimming and have a large wide bill with a specialized tongue that allows water to be sucked in the front of the bill. An array of plates traps food particles as the water is expelled out the sides of the bill. Not all species feed this way, some graze on plants and some also catch fish. [abstracted from Wikipedia]
Whistling-Ducks
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae
The whistling ducks have long legs and necks, and are very gregarious, flying to and from night-time roosts in large flocks. Both sexes have the same plumage, and all have a hunched appearance and black underwings in flight. Their name refers to their loud whistling-like call.
Genus Dendrocygna
Duck, White-faced Whistling Dendrocygna viduata Found: South America, Africa
Photographed by: 1, 2) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights 3) Dick - Birds of Eden, South Africa
4) Dick - Birds of Eden, South Africa 5) Sandy Cole - Birds of Eden 6) Dick - San Diego Zoo
Duck, Fulvous Whistling Dendrocygna bicolor Found: The Americas, Africa
Photographed by: 1, 2, 7) Dick Daniels - Birds of Eden, South Africa
6) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights 3, 4, 5) Dick - Sylvan Heights 8) Sandy Cole - Birds of Eden
Genus Thalassornis - 1 species
It is not clear what the nearest relative is of the White-backed Duck, perhaps the Whistling Ducks.
Duck, White-backed Thalassornis leuconotus Found: southern Africa
Photographed by: 1, 3) Dick Daniels- Sylvan Heights 2) Dick - Sylvan Heights 4) Dick - San Diego Zoo
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