white-faced whistling-duck

noun

variants or white-faced whistling duck or less commonly white-faced tree duck
: a whistling-duck (Dendrocygna viduata) of the West Indies, Central and South America, and Africa that is mostly reddish brown with the throat and front part of the head white and the neck and back part of the head black
The aptly named white-faced whistling-duck (Dendocygna viduata) is often seen in large flocks …Philip Briggs, East African Wildlife, 2008

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of white-faced whistling-duck was in 1866

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near white-faced whistling-duck

Cite this Entry

“White-faced whistling-duck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white-faced%20whistling-duck. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!