Scientifically known as Thalassornis leuconotus, the White Backed Duck is a water bird species in Uganda that is found within the Anatidae family which is similar to the stiff tailed ducks in the subfamily of Oxyurinae. This bird species is the only member of genus Thalassornis which is closely related to the whistling duck of the Dendrocygninae subfamily though not distinct from other ducks.

Spot this as you do birding in Uganda and birding safaris in Africa at large.               

The physical description  and behavior of the White Backed Duck

White backed duck is a well adapted bird species  for diving and it is usually seen staying under water for a period of upto 30 seconds.

The adult White Backed Duck feeds on the bulbs of waterlilies together with leaves and seeds of waterlilies while the young bird species feeds on lake flies larvae.

The White Backed duck is widely distributed in the southern Africa, especially between Chad and Senegal in the west and Ethiopia and South Africa in the east. Their habitat consists of lakes, ponds, swamps and marshes where they are well camouflaged against predators.