Dendrocygna guttata
The Spotted Whistling Duck (*Dendrocygna guttata*) is a strikingly patterned member of the whistling duck genus, renowned for its distinctive plumage and nocturnal habits. Measuring 43-50 cm in length and typically weighing between 650-800 grams, it presents a robust yet elegant form. Its most notable features include a dark brown back, head, and neck, sharply contrasted by a pale, almost whitish face and throat. The underparts are a rich rufous-chestnut, but the species earns its name from t...
Primarily found in freshwater wetlands, swamps, flooded forests, and slow-moving rivers, often with emergent vegetation and trees, typically at low elevations.
Primarily herbivorous, consuming seeds of aquatic plants, grasses, sedges, and cultivated grains like rice. They supplement this with small quantities of aquatic invertebrates such as snails and insects.
The Spotted Whistling Duck displays a fascinating suite of behaviors, largely driven by its crepuscular and nocturnal tendencies. During the day, large flocks typically roost communally, often perching conspicuously on tree branches over water, in dense vegetation, or on secluded banks. As dusk a...
The Spotted Whistling Duck is largely a resident species with an extensive distribution across Southeast Asia, Wallacea, New Guinea, and northern Australia. Its range encompasses countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia (including Sumatra, Borneo, Ja...
Least Concern
- The scientific name "guttata" is Latin for "spotted," directly referring to its distinctive flank markings. - Unlike many duck species, the Spotted Whistling Duck frequently perches in trees, especially for day roosting, leading to its nickname "tree duck. - It is primarily nocturnal or crepusc...