About the White-backed Duck
The white-backed duck is a waterbird of the family Anatidae. It is distinct from all other ducks, but most closely related to the whistling ducks in the subfamily Dendrocygninae, though also showing some similarities to the stiff-tailed ducks in the subfamily Oxyurinae. It is the only member of the genus Thalassornis.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
These birds are well adapted for diving. On occasions they have been observed to stay under water for up to half a minute. They search especially for the bulbs of waterlilies, but also seeds and leaves of waterlilies and other water plants and the young feed on lake flies larvae as well. From danger, they also escape preferentially by diving; hence, the namesake white back is hardly visible in life.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the White-backed Duck lives
When to see the White-backed Duck
Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Spectacled EiderSomateria fischeriThe spectacled eider is a large sea duck that breeds on the coasts of Alaska and northeastern Siberia.
Kelp GooseChloephaga hybridaThe kelp goose is 55 to 65 cm (22 to 26 in) long.
Fuegian Steamer DuckTachyeres pteneresThis is the largest of the steamer duck species.
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