The lesser whistling duck, also known as Indian whistling duck or lesser whistling teal, is a species of whistling duck that breeds in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. They are nocturnal feeders that during the day may be found in flocks around lakes and wet paddy fields. They can perch on trees and sometimes build their nest in the hollow of a tree. This brown and long-necked duck has broad wings that are visible in flight and produces a loud two-note wheezy call. It has a chestnut rump, differentiating it from its larger relative, the fulvous whistling duck, which has a creamy white rump.
Region
Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found widely across lowland wetlands from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam to Malaysia, Singapore, and the Greater Sundas. Prefers freshwater habitats such as lakes, marshes, swamps, village ponds, slow rivers, and flooded rice fields. It uses mangrove edges and seasonally inundated grasslands and will roost communally on open water or emergent vegetation. Nests are placed in dense reeds, on platforms over water, or in cavities of trees near wetlands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Indian whistling duck or lesser whistling teal (though not a true teal), it is a nocturnal feeder that spends days loafing in flocks on lakes and rice paddies. It often perches in trees and may nest in tree cavities as well as in dense vegetation near water. A loud, two-note wheezy whistle is heard frequently in flight. Its chestnut rump helps distinguish it from the larger fulvous whistling duck, which shows a pale rump.
The chicks are patterned in black and white
Shape of the outermost primary, claimed to produce a whistle in flight
White-bellied sea eagle (Icthyophaga leucogaster) with captured duck
A flock landing (Kolkata, India)
Lesser whistling ducks near Chandigarh.
In flight the broad wings are distinctive
Temperament
social and gregarious
Flight Pattern
direct flight with rapid wingbeats; strong flier
Social Behavior
Forms large flocks outside the breeding season, often roosting together on open water or in rice fields. Generally monogamous, with both parents sharing incubation and brood care. Nests in tree hollows, on platforms of vegetation, or in dense reeds near water, and readily perches in trees.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives a clear, two-note wheezy whistle that carries over water, often heard during flight. Calls are repeated in series during social interactions and at night while feeding.
