Spotted Whistling Duck

Dendrocygna guttataSchlegel, 1866

Least ConcernNative

Order: ANSERIFORMES
Family: Anatidae
Genus: Dendrocygna

Conservation: Least Concern
Commonness: Very common
Best seen: Year-round

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The spotted whistling duck is a member of the duck family Anatidae. It is also referred to as the "spotted tree duck". This duck can be found in Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia and the Philippines. Spotted ducks are also held in captive populations.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Length: 43–50 cm
Weight: 590–860 g

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

Frequently perches on tree branches or logs overhanging water, a habit reflected in its alternative name, the 'Spotted Tree Duck'.

flight

In flight, the bird has a distinctive hunched appearance with the head held lower than the body and a conspicuous white bar visible across the base of the tail.

plumage

Look for large, bold white spots across the flanks and breast, contrasting with a pale grey face and a dark stripe extending from the crown to the nape.

size_and_shape

Often adopts a remarkably upright, vertical posture when standing or perched, making the bird appear tall and 'leggy'.

voice

Listen for a series of high-pitched, rapid 'ticking' calls that are generally quiet and lack the melodic quality of typical whistling duck whistles.

02 · Where

Where to find it

Breeding range: OR, AU : Sulawesi region, north and central Moluccas, New Guinea, north Cape York Pen., north-east QLD (north-east Australia), Umboi (west of New Britain) and New Britain (south-east Bismarck Arch.)

03 · When

When to look

Months this species is recorded across its Australian range.

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

06 · Gallery

Plumage up close

3 photos

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How to tell it apart

Where to find it

When to look

Habits and haunts

Diet & foraging

Habitats

Range notes

Plumage up close

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