Tours where you can spot this bird
1 tour in Namibia
White-backed Duck
Thalassornis leuconotus Eyton, 1838
Anatidae — Ducks, Geese, Swans
White-backed Duck, Thalassornis leuconotus, is a duck in the Anatidae family and the Anseriformes order. It is the only species in its genus. In Africa it is widespread, with records from the west, east and south of the continent, and it uses lakes, ponds, swamps and marshes. It is strongly adapted to diving and can remain below the surface for up to half a minute. It feeds on waterlily bulbs, as well as seeds and leaves from waterlilies and other aquatic plants. Young birds also take lake fly larvae.
- Order
- Anseriformes
- Family
- Anatidae — Ducks, Geese, Swans
- Breeding range
- Africa: widespread
