Fulvous Whistling-Duck (us-RGV)
From WikiBird
Contents |
Regional Information
Range, Abundance, and Seasonal Variations
Directions and Maps
Estero Llano Grande in late summer/fall, Progresso Lakes in winter (rare), Brownsville area in summer.
General Information
Size
Length: 48-53cm (19-21in), Wingspan: ??cm (??in)
Field Marks
Long grey bill, long head and neck, longish legs, buff head and underparts, the latter reddish-tinged on the flanks, a dark crown, and dark grey back and wings. The tail and wing patches are chestnut, and there is a white crescent on the uppertail which is visible in flight. All plumages are similar, except that juveniles have less contrasted flank and tail colouration. Adult: Dark bill legs, and tail, rich buff head, neck, chest and belly, black back with chestnut edging to feathers. White flank stripe, white rump and undertail coverts. Wings dark with chestnut upperwing coverts visible in flight. Immature: Like adult, but duller with less contrast between back and rump. Sexes similar.
Similar species
Adult unmistakable. Immature could be confused with immature Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, but note the dark rump, white wing stripe, and the lack of white flank stripe in the latter.
Sounds
Noisy birds with a clear whistling kee-wee-ooo call.
Feeding & Behavior
Common but wary species. Gregarious, and at favoured sites substantial flocks can form. Feeds mainly at night on seeds and other plant food.
Habitat & Nesting
The habitat is still freshwater lakes, ricefields or reservoirs with plentiful vegetation. It nests on a stick platform in reeds, laying 8-12 eggs, but hollow trees or old bird nests are occasionally used for nesting.
Range
Breeds across the world's tropical regions in much of Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
Resources
