Dendrocygna arcuata
The Wandering Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata) is a captivating, medium-sized waterfowl distinguished by its upright stance and rich chestnut plumage. Measuring 54-60 cm (21-24 inches) in length, it features a distinctive dark crown, blackish bill and legs, and pale streaking along its flanks that contrast with a creamy throat. A lack of a bright speculum on its wings is another key field mark, aiding identification alongside its prominent pale flank lines. Taxonomically, it belongs to th...
This species predominantly inhabits tropical and subtropical wetlands, favoring shallow freshwater environments such as marshes, swamps, lakes, lagoons, and flooded grasslands. It is typically found at low elevations, often in areas with abundant aquatic vegetation.
The diet of the Wandering Whistling Duck primarily consists of aquatic vegetation, including seeds, grasses, and stems, supplemented by aquatic invertebrates such as insects and crustaceans. They forage mainly by dabbling and grazing on the surface or by shallow dives.
Wandering Whistling Ducks are often crepuscular or nocturnal, foraging actively from dusk into the night and roosting during the day, frequently perched on branches in trees or floating on water. They are primarily dabblers, grazing on emergent vegetation and occasionally diving in shallow waters...
The Wandering Whistling Duck boasts an extensive distribution across Southeast Asia and Australasia, primarily inhabiting tropical and subtropical wetlands. Its core range spans the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Guinea, extending throughout northern and eastern Australia. Three subspe...
Least Concern
- The Wandering Whistling Duck is named for its distinctive, clear whistling calls, a sound often heard as flocks fly overhead at dusk. - Despite being ducks, they are well-known for their habit of roosting in trees, a trait shared with other "tree ducks" in their genus. - They are one of the mos...