Lesser Whistling-Duck Bird Details
Dendrocygna javanica
Lesser Whistling-Duck
Chhoti Seeti-Hans
Thomas Horsfield, 1821
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Dendrocygna
India, Bangladesh, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Brunei, Nepal, Bhutan.
Appearance :
The Lesser Whistling-Duck is a small, attractive duck with a distinctive long neck, short legs, and a prominent chestnut-brown plumage on its back and sides. It has a blackish crown, a white face with a black eye-line extending to the nape, and a whitish throat and foreneck.
Behaviour :
They are usually seen in small groups or large flocks, often resting during the day and becoming more active at dusk and during the night. They are known for their whistling calls which are distinctive and give them their name.
Habitat :
They inhabit various wetland habitats including lakes, rivers, marshes, flooded fields, and reservoirs. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation and shallow water.
Diet :
Their diet consists primarily of aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. They are primarily vegetarian but may occasionally consume insects and small crustaceans.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
They are found across South and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Population Size :
Stable and widespread in suitable habitats.
Life Span :
Around 10-15 years.
Body And Tarsus:
The Lesser Whistling-Duck has a compact body with a rounded appearance and relatively short legs. They have a characteristic posture with a slightly raised rear.
Head And Bill :
They have a small, rounded head with a distinctive blackish crown. The bill is short and stout, usually dark gray or black in color.
Length :
Approximately 41-46 cm (16-18 inches).
Neck :
They have a long, slender neck that is often held erect.
Size :
Medium-sized duck.
Tail Details :
The tail is short and squared-off.
Weight :
Around 400-600 grams (14-21 ounces).
Wing :
The wings are relatively broad and pointed.
Wing Span :
Approximately 75-95 cm (30-37 inches).
Facial Feature :
They have a distinctive white face with a black eye-line extending to the nape, giving them a masked appearance.
Nest Details :
- The nest is usually a shallow bowl-shaped structure made of grasses, reeds, and other plant materials. It is placed on the ground in dense vegetation near water.
- Nest made up of: Grasses, reeds, and plant materials.
Breeding Season :
During the rainy season.
Nesting Season :
During the monsoon season.
Egg Color :
Creamy white or pale buff.
Egg Length :
Approximately 50-55 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
Approximately 35-40 mm.
Clutch Size :
6-12 eggs per clutch
No. of Broods :
Multiple broods in a breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Around 26-28 days, primarily by the female.
Nestling Period :
Leave the nest soon after hatching and are able to swim and feed themselves.
Vocalization :
Known for their whistling calls, which are often heard during their active periods, especially at dawn and dusk.
Sex Demorphism :
Males slightly larger and sometimes with a more pronounced head shape.
Migration Details :
Non-Migratory Birds.
