DISTRIBUTION:

The White-backed Duck (Thalassornis leuconotus) is natural to Africa. The distribution of this duck includes the eastern half of the continent, from Ethiopia to the Cape. It is also native to the island of Madagascar.

BEHAVIOR:

This duck is usually seen in pairs or small groups within its distribution.

REPRODUCTION:

The nest is made in the tall emerging aquatic vegetation, far from land. This duck has been seen using the abandoned grebe's nests. The usual clutch is six eggs, sometimes as many as fourteen. Incubation takes 30 days. The male is very active during incubation as well as protecting the nest.

DESCRIPTION:

The adults of this species reach from 38 to 40 cm in length. The average weight is about 700 grams.

OTHER NAMES:

The White-backed Duck in Spanish is called “Pato de Lomo Blanco”.