Plumed Whistling Duck
Dendrocygna eytoni
The Plumed Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna eytoni) is a uncommon ducks, swans, and geese found in 4 countries, weighing about 790 g. The plumed whistling duck, also called the grass whistling duck, is a species of bird in the whistling duck subfamily of the family Anatidae.
About the Plumed Whistling Duck
The plumed whistling duck, also called the grass whistling duck, is a species of bird in the whistling duck subfamily of the family Anatidae. It is resident and breeds in Australia, in a broad arc covering the northern half and most of the eastern third of the continent. There are also non-breeding and seasonally uncertain populations in New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It is a predominantly brown-coloured duck with a long neck and characteristic plumes arising from its flanks. The sexes are similar in appearance.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Measuring 42–60 cm (16.5–23.5 in) and weighing around one kilogram (2.2 lb), it is a long-necked duck with brown upperparts, paler underparts and a white rump. The chest is a chestnut colour with thin black bars, while long black-margined plumes arise from its flanks. Its bill and legs are a pinkish red, and the iris of the eyes are yellow. The male and female are similar in appearance. The species has a characteristic lowered neck and short, dark, rounded wings while flying. The call is a characteristic whistle, which gives the bird its common name.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.
When to see it
The Plumed Whistling Duck can be seen all year round, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Plumed Whistling Duck?
- Measuring 42–60 cm (16.5–23.5 in) and weighing around one kilogram (2.2 lb), it is a long-necked duck with brown upperparts, paler underparts and a white rump. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Plumed Whistling Duck?
- The Plumed Whistling Duck is a large sized bird weighing about 790 g.
- Where can you see a Plumed Whistling Duck?
- The Plumed Whistling Duck occurs in 4 countries, including Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
- What birds look similar to a Plumed Whistling Duck?
- The Plumed Whistling Duck is most easily confused with the Wandering Whistling Duck, the West Indian Whistling Duck and the Spotted Whistling Duck.
- Is the Plumed Whistling Duck endangered?
- The Plumed Whistling Duck is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Plumed Whistling Duck for real
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