West Indian Whistling-Duck Bird Details
Dendrocygna arborea
West Indian Whistling-Duck
NA
Anas arborea Linnaeus, 1758
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Dendrocygna
Cuba, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica.
Appearance :
The West Indian Whistling-Duck is a medium-sized waterfowl with a distinctive long neck and legs. It has a reddish-brown body, with darker brown wings and a paler face. It has a characteristic whistling call.
Behaviour :
These ducks are often found in pairs or small groups. They are known for their whistling vocalizations, which are used for communication.
Habitat :
They inhabit freshwater wetlands such as marshes, ponds, lakes, and mangrove swamps.
Diet :
Their diet consists mainly of aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates.
Conservation Status :
Vulnerable
Distribution :
They are found in parts of the Caribbean, including Cuba, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and Jamaica.
Population Size :
Small and declining population.
Life Span :
Not precisely documented
Body And Tarsus:
Medium-sized waterfowl with a reddish-brown body, darker wings, and a paler face.
Head And Bill :
They have a relatively small head with a distinctive bill that is long and slender.
Length :
Around 45-55 cm (17.7-21.7 inches).
Neck :
Long neck characteristic of dabbling ducks.
Size :
Medium-sized compared to other ducks.
Tail Details :
Short, rounded tail.
Weight :
Approximately 600-900 grams (1.3-2 pounds).
Wing :
Broad wings suited for flying and gliding over water.
Wing Span :
Approximately 75-90 cm (29.5-35.4 inches).
Facial Feature :
They have a pale face with dark eyes and a slender bill.
Nest Details :
- Nests are typically placed near water, often in dense vegetation or on the ground.
- The nest is made up of plant material and down feathers.
Breeding Season :
During the wet season.
Nesting Season :
During the rainy season.
Egg Color :
Creamy-white to pale buff.
Egg Length :
Approximately 5-6 cm (2-2.4 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
Approximately 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 inches).
Clutch Size :
6-12 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
single brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Around 25-30 days, typically performed by the female.
Nestling Period :
Fledge within a few weeks after hatching.
Vocalization :
Known for their distinctive whistling calls, which are used for communication.
Sex Demorphism :
Males may be slightly larger or have more colorful plumage during breeding season.
Migration Details :
Non-migratory birds.
