White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus

The taxonomic status of this charasmatic and unique species may not be entirely clear but though it was once considered a relation of the stiff-tails most authorities now consider it more closely related to the whistling ducks. When swimming, the white back that gives it its name is usually hidden.

White-backed Duck, Lake Chilwa (Malawi), 15th May 2011

White-backed Duck, Lake Chilwa (Malawi), 26th September 2008

White-backed Duck, Mulanje (Malawi), 29th September 2008