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Plumed Whistling Duck

Dendrocygna eytoni

Photo by AliceGreenup
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

The Plumed Whistling-Duck is one of two whistling or tree ducks found in Australia. It is a tall, long necked duck, with very prominent long lanceolate off-white plumes edged in black along the flanks. The face and foreneck are light, the crown and hind neck are pale brown and the brown feathers of the upper back are edged buff. The breast is pale chestnut, finely barred in black. The bill is mottled pink and grey and the legs and feet are pink. It is also known as Grass Whistle Duck, Eyton's Plumed, Red-legged or Whistling Tree-duck, Grass, Grey or Red-legged Whistler, and the Monkey Duck.

Habitat:

Spotted in a large flock, by a dam in backyard. This group spends the day at this dam & fly out at night, most likely to grasslands to feed. They can be heard whistling overhead as they leave.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (35)

What interesting calls they have, thanks for sharing it.
Thanks reza and daniele! I wanted to give everyone the opportunity to be able to hear their amazing calls! I love them
I've uploaded a video with the calls of the ducks. The clicking noises seem to be made when their on land, but you'll hear some of their 'whistles' in there too. Everyone should have a listen, it's a very unique call!
Maybe you could create one on "Waterfowl of New South Wales"
Does anyone know of any specific duck missions I can add these beauties to?
From what i've read males and females are quite similiar in appearance however the males have longer 'lanceolates' ( the white feathers that stick up). Perhaps in the first photo the duck on the far left is female, as it's feathers are shorter, & the other 2 are males, but i can't be sure.
Not a problem! It's good to see everyone else loves these pretty birds as much as i do!
What pretty birds, their plumage is unlike any duck i've ever seen. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Mona. I agree 100% they're gorgeous birds!
Thanks Shanna and Mark! This dam at the back of my yard is the only place i've seen them and i'm lucky it's such a big flock. Their plumage is amazing
Fabulous Alice. I quite like the light. Amazing ducks... I've heard of them but never have seen them. Thanks.
Beautiful series, Alice!!
Thanks marta & ava! They're amazing! They certainly do whistle, every single night I hear them when they fly overhead and make different sounds when they are resting. Ill try and get a video for the sound and share it on here for you to hear. Hopefully your audio starks working soon!
Wow! precious ducks, first time I saw them and such a nice feather display!
What dramatic plumage! Nice spotting.
do they really whistle? The audio on my computer is not working . Otherwise I would try to listen to it,now that you mentioned it.
And hear! Have you heard their call? i couldn't believe it was coming from ducks the first time i heard them.
it is . There is so much to see in this world!
It's gorgeous isn't it jemma? I love their plumage, i wish i could get closer for better photos but they spook easily & i'd rather not disturb them too much.
Hoping to get better photos tomorrow in better light.

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