Lesser Whistling-duck
Dendrocygna javanica
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<birdfyi-bird slug="dendrocygna-javanica"></birdfyi-bird>Warm chestnut-brown throughout, with a darker crown and pale face, the Lesser Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna javanica) shows conspicuous chestnut on the rump and upper-tail as it flies. The sexes are alike, and both carry dark grey bills and legs and pale streaking along chestnut flanks. It is the most widespread whistling-duck in Asia, occupying freshwater wetlands, lakes, rice paddies, mangroves and slow rivers from the Indian subcontinent through southern China to Borneo and Indonesia, and it is common near cultivated land and settlements. Unusually for a duck, it nests in tree holes and occasionally in thatched roofs, laying seven to seventeen eggs. Its call is a thin, high whistle, softer than that of related species. The IUCN Red List rates it Least Concern.
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About
A small warm brown whistling-duck with chestnut upper-tail coverts, a pale face, and dark brown cap. The most widespread and common whistling-duck in Asia. Found in freshwater wetlands from the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia. Nests in holes in trees and sometimes in thatched roofs.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 38.8 cm | 15.3 in |
| Weight | 525.0 g | 18.52 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Warm chestnut-brown overall; head and neck brown; upperparts dark brown. Chestnut rump and upper-tail conspicuous in flight. Flanks chestnut with pale streaks. Bill and legs dark gray. Sexes similar.
Habitat & Range
Freshwater wetlands, lakes, rice paddies, mangroves, and slow rivers across South and Southeast Asia from India through southern China to Borneo and Indonesia. Common near cultivated land and human settlements.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CV,O. Incubation: 22-30 days.
Clutch Size
7-17
Sound
Song
A softer, higher-pitched whistle than other Dendrocygna. Call is a quick 'we-we' given in flight. Smaller size reflected in higher-pitched and thinner quality of call.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | Dendrocygna javanica |
Distribution
Lesser Whistling-duck has been recorded in 7 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Lesser Whistling-duck live?
Is the Lesser Whistling-duck endangered?
How does the Lesser Whistling-duck nest?
What does the Lesser Whistling-duck sound like?
How big is the Lesser Whistling-duck?
What order and family does the Lesser Whistling-duck belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family