Bird
Bird
Fulvous Whistling Duck
Dendrocygna bicolor
The Fulvous Whistling Duck is a warm tawny-orange waterbird of Trinidad's freshwater wetlands, closely related to the Black-bellied and White-faced Whistling Ducks already familiar on the island, and named for its distinctive whistling flight call.
The Fulvous Whistling Duck is a warm tawny-orange waterbird of Trinidad's freshwater wetlands, closely related to the Black-bellied and White-faced Whistling Ducks already familiar on the island, and named for its distinctive whistling flight call.
Identification
A medium-sized duck around 45 to 53 cm long, with rich tawny-orange to cinnamon plumage overall, a darker back streaked with buff, and long, greyish legs that trail behind the tail in flight. Its long neck and upright stance are typical of whistling ducks, giving it a goose-like silhouette on the water.
Behaviour
Forages by dabbling and grazing in shallow freshwater wetlands, rice fields, and marshes for seeds, aquatic vegetation, and grain, often in flocks alongside other whistling duck species. It is highly vocal, giving a distinctive whistled call both in flight and while resting, and nests on the ground or in dense marsh vegetation near water.
Status in T&T
Present in freshwater wetlands and rice-growing areas across Trinidad, generally less common than the Black-bellied Whistling Duck. Not considered threatened. It is protected as native wildlife under the Conservation of Wildlife Act.
Threats
- Loss of freshwater wetland and marsh habitat
