Plumed Whistling Duck

The Plumed Whistling Duck, also known as the Grass Whistling Duck, is a species that graces the Australian landscape. It is a predominantly brown duck with a distinctive long neck and characteristic plumes that elegantly arise from its flanks. Both sexes share a similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Identification Tips

Adults measure between 42 to 60 centimeters in length and weigh approximately one kilogram. They exhibit brown upperparts and paler underparts with a stark white rump. The chest is a rich chestnut adorned with thin black bars, and the flanks are highlighted by long, black-margined plumes. The bill and legs are a soft pink, while the eyes are set with a yellow iris. In flight, they are recognized by their lowered neck posture and short, dark, rounded wings.

Habitat

The Plumed Whistling Duck favors tall grasslands and savannas, often in proximity to water bodies, where it can be seen foraging and socializing.

Distribution

This species is found across eastern, northern, and central Australia, from the Kimberley region through the Top End and Cape York, down to southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. It may occasionally be spotted as far inland as north-western Victoria near the Murray River. Its range also extends to New Guinea.

Behaviour

The Plumed Whistling Duck is known for its terrestrial feeding habits, preferring to graze on grass rather than diving for food. It is a sociable bird, often found in groups.

Song & Calls

The species is named for its distinctive whistle, a call that resonates across its habitat and is a delight to any birdwatcher's ears.

Breeding

Breeding occurs during the wet season, typically from January to March, though it may extend to April or May. They raise one brood per season, with a nest constructed as a mattress of grasses in tall grass or sheltered by vegetation. The clutch consists of 10 to 12 oval, creamy-colored eggs, which may become stained over time. On occasion, clutches of up to 14 eggs have been recorded. The incubation period lasts around 30 days.

Similar Species

While unique in its appearance, birdwatchers should take care not to confuse the Plumed Whistling Duck with other whistling duck species, paying close attention to the distinctive flank plumes and chestnut chest.

Diet and Feeding

The Plumed Whistling Duck is a grazer, feeding on grasses rather than aquatic plants or animals.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Plumed Whistling Duck as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats at present.