Plumed Whistling-duck
Dendrocygna eytoni
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<birdfyi-bird slug="dendrocygna-eytoni"></birdfyi-bird>About
A large whistling-duck with long buff flank plumes extending beyond the folded wings, brown body, pink bill, and upright posture. Endemic to Australia. Gregarious, forming large grazing flocks on grasslands near water. Feeds mainly on grasses and sedges rather than aquatic plants.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 46.4 cm | 18.3 in |
| Weight | 877.5 g | 30.95 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Pale brown head and neck; chestnut-brown back. Distinctive long, pale golden plumes extend from flanks. Breast pale pink with dark spots. Belly pale. Long pink legs. Upright posture. Sexes similar.
Habitat & Range
Grassy tropical wetland margins, flooded plains, and well-watered pastures in northern and eastern Australia. Grazes on land near water at night; rests on open ground or in trees during the day.
Geographic Range
Breeds in the Holarctic tundra and boreal zones; winters on temperate coasts and large inland lakes globally.
Diet & Feeding
Grazes short tundra grasses; also takes aquatic vegetation; large Arctic goose wintering on coastal marshes and agricultural land.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Incubation: 28-30 days. Fledging: 56-65 days.
Clutch Size
8-14
Sound
Song
A high, reedy whistling call similar to other Dendrocygna. Plumed Whistling-duck gives 'grassy' grassland calls. Less musical than White-faced; contact notes are short whistles.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | Dendrocygna eytoni |
Distribution
Plumed Whistling-duck has been recorded in 3 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Plumed Whistling-duck eat?
Where does the Plumed Whistling-duck live?
Is the Plumed Whistling-duck endangered?
How does the Plumed Whistling-duck nest?
What does the Plumed Whistling-duck sound like?
How big is the Plumed Whistling-duck?
What order and family does the Plumed Whistling-duck belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family