White-faced Whistling Duck

Strange Travelers

White-faced whistling ducks are widespread in South America, especially from the southern Amazon basin down into Argentina. They are also abundant throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. Scientists believe this strange range is the result of humans transporting the ducks to new locations. Wherever they land, they prefer bodies of fresh water, including lakes, marshes and even rice paddies. They also perch in tree branches. These ducks are nocturnal feeders, foraging on grass, seeds and aquatic mollusks.