Dendrocygna bicolor
The Fulvous Whistling Duck, Dendrocygna bicolor, is a striking member of the waterfowl family, distinguished by its upright, goose-like posture and clear, whistling calls. This medium-sized duck measures 45-53 cm (18-21 in) in length with a wingspan of 76-90 cm (30-35 in) and weighs between 600-1000g. Its plumage is a rich, golden-brown (fulvous) across the body, with a darker back, creamy buff face, and distinct white flank stripes edged with dark barring. A black bill and gray legs complete...
Found primarily in shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, rice fields, and flooded grasslands at low elevations.
Primarily herbivorous, feeding on seeds of aquatic grasses and agricultural crops like rice, along with leaves, stems, and tubers. They also consume small quantities of aquatic invertebrates such as insects and snails.
Fulvous Whistling Ducks are highly social, often forming large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mingling with other whistling duck species. They are predominantly crepuscular and nocturnal feeders, spending daylight hours roosting, frequently perching in trees or loafing on open wate...
The Fulvous Whistling Duck boasts a remarkably disjunct global distribution, occurring in four main regions: the southern United States and Mexico, South America, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Indian subcontinent into Southeast Asia. In North America, breeding populations are found along the Gulf C...
Least Concern
- The name 'Fulvous' refers to their distinctive rich, golden-brown plumage. - Unlike most ducks, they frequently perch in trees, using their long legs and relatively large feet. - They are often crepuscular or nocturnal feeders, which means they are most active at dawn, dusk, and during the nigh...