Ducks
Ducks and
Turkey Enrichment Video 
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING DUCK, CAPE TEAL and COMB DUCK
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
White-Faced Whistling Ducks have longer necks and legs than typical ducks. They are slender, about 18 inches long and have an erect stance, white faces, chestnut breasts and black and white barred patterns below the wings.
Cape Teal or Cape Wigeons are predominantly white ducks with numerous pale brown spots and bright pink bills. They are about 14 inches long.
Comb Ducks or Knob-Billed Ducks are 22-30 inches long. Their backs are black and their heads, breasts and wings are white. Small black spots are sprinkled over head and neck regions. Their bills are black and the drake's bill has a large knob at the base.
DISTRIBUTION:
Whistling Ducks have an unusual distribution. They occur in both South Africa and South America in marshes, swamps, lagoons and rivers.
Cape Teal frequent shallow lakes, marshes, and coastal lagoons. They are widespread in East Africa.
Comb Ducks live in lakes, ponds, rivers and swamps in wooded country of lowlands in East and Central Africa.
BEHAVIOR:
Whistling Ducks were named for their unique whistling call. Pairs of them often face one another and indulge in mutual preening. They have broad wings and are powerful fliers.
Cape Teal are nocturnal birds, tend to keep to themselves, and spend much time ashore.
Comb Ducks are highly mobile. Flocks of 50 or more birds move readily to take advantage of good feeding sites.
DIET:
Whistling Ducks upend while swimming to harvest underwater seeds, snails, larvae, and insects. They usually feed at night.
Cape Teal are mainly surface feeders and eat water plants and seeds. They will take some insects and small mollusks.
Comb Ducks feed on grain, aquatic plants, insects, frogs and fish.
REPRODUCTION and GROWTH:
As many as 17 Whistling Duck hens may lay eggs in one nest and over 100 eggs have been counted in these communal nests. Nests are usually on the ground in high grass. Parents have a strong pair bond and both of them help care for the young.
Cape Teal eggs hatch after 23-25 day incubation. Cape Teal are good parents and vigorously defend their young against other birds, large or small. Most male "dabbling ducks" ignore their offspring. But because Cape Teal fathers help rear the babies, fewer of the offspring die.
During breeding season, each male Comb Duck may have several mates. The nest is usually in a hole in a tree, in an old wall or on the ground, concealed well in tall vegetation. Incubation lasts 30 days.
