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Wandering Whistling-DuckAlternative names: "Tree-duck", "Whistling Duck*" Size: 55-60 cm Weight: 750 g |
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Similar species |
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Taxonomy, classification |
See Wandering
Whistling-Duck
at Wikipedia 
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Range, habitat |
(for details refer to a field guide) |
Wandering Whistling-Ducks are usually found only in the northern parts of the Australian continent, from about the Kimberley via the top end of the NT, south of the Gulf of Carpentaria, all of Cape York and the eastern half of QLD. Occasionally (see below) they are seen in north-eastern NSW.
Wandering Whistling-Ducks like vegetated river banks and swamps and vegetated shores of lagoons as well as flooded grasslands.
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Sightings |
Wandering Whistling Ducks were first spotted by us in the township of Narrabri, NSW, at Narrabri Lake, in September 2010. Four birds were seen there again in October 2010, making it likely that a small group were staying there for a while.
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Photos |
Near-frontal view of a Wandering Whistling-Duck
Lateral view of a Wandering Whistling-Duck
View from behind of the same bird as shown above...
... here seen on water
Three birds sitting in shallow water covered with algae
Three Wandering Whistling-Ducks near a footpath; a disturbance of tens of Purple Swamphens in the vicinity made them fly away before a closer shot could be obtained
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Behaviour |
| Social behaviour: Communal | Mobility: Nomadic | Elementary unit: Flock |
It is a bit unusual for them to be seen (details above) in small numbers. Probably these few were exploring new possibilities at Narrabri Lake. Usually Wandering Whistling-Ducks come in large flocks.
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Food |
Like all other geese, ducks and swans, Wandering Whistling-Ducks are vegetarian. They feed on underwater plants.
