The fulvous whistling duck or fulvous tree duck is a species of whistling duck that breeds across the world's tropical regions in much of Mexico and South America, the West Indies, the southern United States, sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent. It has plumage that is mainly reddish brown, long legs and a long grey bill, and shows a distinctive white band across its black tail in flight. Like other members of its ancient lineage, it has a whistling call which is given in flight or on the ground. Its preferred habitat consists of wetlands with plentiful vegetation, including shallow lakes and paddy fields. The nest, built from plant material and unlined, is placed among dense vegetation or in a tree hole. The typical clutch is around ten whitish eggs. The breeding adults, which pair for life, take turns to incubate, and the eggs hatch in 24–29 days. The downy grey ducklings leave the nest within a day or so of hatching, but the parents continue to protect them until they fledge around nine weeks later.
Region
Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide
Typical Environment
Occurs across the southern United States into Mexico and the West Indies, much of Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. It favors freshwater wetlands with emergent vegetation, shallow lakes, marshes, and flooded fields. Rice paddies are frequently used for feeding and nesting. Local movements follow rainfall and water availability, and birds often congregate where food is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Fulvous whistling ducks are notable for their clear, whistling calls and for forming long-term pair bonds; many pairs remain together for life. They readily use human-made wetlands like rice paddies, which can benefit their numbers but also bring them into conflict with farmers. Nests are placed in dense marsh vegetation or tree cavities, and both parents share incubation and brood care.
In flight, showing black-and-white tail pattern
A flock at Pallikaranai wetland, India
Adult in the London Wetland Centre collection
Dendrocygna bicolor - MHNT
Long legs enable the duck to stand erect and walk without waddling.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats; flies in loose flocks
Social Behavior
Often forms sizeable flocks outside the breeding season, especially where food is plentiful. Pairs are typically monogamous and may persist for years. Nests are placed in dense marsh vegetation or tree cavities, with both parents incubating and tending the brood.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A clear, whistled call given frequently in flight and on the ground; calls can carry over long distances across wetlands. Vocal repertoire includes sharp, two- to three-note whistles and softer contact calls within flocks.
