White-backed Duck

Thalassornis leuconotus

The White-backed Duck is a medium-sized waterfowl species found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by its distinctive white back and black underparts, with a chestnut patch on the flanks. This species is typically found in shallow freshwater habitats such as marshes, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, where it feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. The White-backed Duck is known for its secretive nature and often prefers to remain hidden among dense vegetation. Due to habitat loss and hunting pressure, the population of White-backed Ducks is declining, leading to its classification as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

Habitat: Freshwater marshes, lakes, rivers