High in the Costa Rican mountains, our retreat offers a haven of peace and tranquility. But venture just beyond our doorstep, and the symphony of the tropics comes alive! Today, we turn our ears (and binoculars) to a particularly vocal resident of the wetlands: the White-faced Whistling Duck.

A Striking Beauty

Living up to its name, the White-faced Whistling Duck is a stunner. Imagine a dapper fellow in a black and white tuxedo – that’s the basic look. The head boasts a crisp white face that can vary in extent depending on the region. Here in Costa Rica, you might see a wider white patch compared to their West African cousins. The rest of the head and neck turn a sleek black, which dramatically contrasts with the rich chestnut brown breast. Look closer, and you’ll see the duck’s back and wings are a tapestry of dark brown and black, beautifully offset by the white barring on the flanks. Even the bill plays along, sporting a stylish gray. Females resemble the males, but with slightly duller plumage – a touch of subtlety in this world of bold colors.

A Whistling Wonderland

As the name suggests, the White-faced Whistling Duck is a chatterbox. Their high-pitched, multisyllabic whistles are unlike the typical quacks of ducks. It’s a clear, three-note call that can often be heard echoing through the wetlands at dawn and dusk. Listen closely, and you might even discern slight differences between the male and female calls – perhaps a secret language for ducky couples.

Night Owls with Long Legs

Unlike many ducks, the White-faced Whistling Duck is more of a nocturnal diner. Come nightfall, they emerge from their roosts (sometimes even in trees!) to forage for food. Their long legs and necks give them a goose-like gait as they strut through the shallows, searching for grasses, seeds, aquatic plants, and the occasional invertebrate.

Social Butterflies (or Ducks?)

The White-faced Whistling Duck is a social butterfly – well, duck, to be precise. They flock together in large groups, sometimes numbering in the hundreds! These social gatherings are a sight to behold, especially at dawn when massive flocks descend on favored feeding grounds. It’s a flurry of feathers and whistles, a true testament to the power of community.

Spotting these Whistlers in Costa Rica

While the White-faced Whistling Duck has a wider range that extends to Africa and South America, you can spot them in various freshwater wetlands throughout Costa Rica. Keep your eyes peeled near lakes, marshes, rice paddies, and even some lowland rivers. With a little patience and a keen ear, you might just be serenaded by these whistling wonders.

So, next time you’re exploring the wetlands of Costa Rica, listen for the high-pitched whistles and keep an eye out for a flash of white. The White-faced Whistling Duck, a characterful resident, might just become your new favorite feathered friend.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)