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.
Region
Australasia and the Philippines
Typical Environment
The spotted whistling duck occurs from the Philippines and eastern Indonesia through New Guinea, with a more recent foothold in northern Australia (e.g., Cape York Peninsula and nearby areas). It inhabits lowland freshwater wetlands, including forested swamps, oxbow lakes, floodplain lagoons, and slow-moving rivers. Birds readily use human-altered sites such as rice fields, reservoirs, and ponds. They often roost in overhanging trees or dense riparian vegetation. Movements are mostly local, tracking rainfall and water availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called the spotted tree duck, it frequently perches in trees and often nests in tree cavities near water. Its clear, musical whistling calls carry over long distances at dawn and dusk. The species has a patchy but expanding range, including recent establishment in parts of northern Australia. It forms tight family groups and small flocks outside the breeding season.
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats and audible whistles
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, forming larger flocks outside the breeding season. Pairs are monogamous, and nesting commonly occurs in tree cavities or dense vegetation close to water. Adults are attentive, leading ducklings to sheltered, vegetated edges soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, mellow whistling notes, often in a repeated series. Calls are most frequent at dawn and dusk and carry well over open water.
Plumage
Rich brown overall with bold white spotting across the breast and flanks; darker chocolate-brown crown and nape; paler buffy face and throat. Upperparts are warm brown with subtle mottling, and the underparts show contrasting spots and flecking.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds and shoots of grasses and sedges, along with aquatic plants. It also takes rice in agricultural areas. Small quantities of aquatic invertebrates such as insects, snails, and other mollusks supplement the diet, especially for growing ducklings.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shallow wetlands, flooded grasslands, and the vegetated margins of lakes and slow rivers. It dabbles, tips-up, and grazes at the water’s edge, and may feed on open lawns near water in human-dominated landscapes.
