PLUMED WHISTLING DUCKS
Dendrocygna eytoni
DESCRIPTION
The Plumed Whistling-Duck is a distinctive Australian waterbird with a long neck, warm brown colouring and beautiful cream-coloured plumes along its sides. Unlike many ducks, it often stands quite upright and has relatively long legs. Its name comes from its characteristic whistling call.
WHERE IT LIVES
Plumed Whistling-Ducks are found across northern and eastern Australia. They favour tropical grasslands and wetlands and are often seen around freshwater billabongs, lagoons, floodplains and dams. Large flocks can gather where there is suitable feeding habitat and water nearby.
WHAT IT EATS
They feed mainly on grasses and grass seeds, rather than relying primarily on aquatic food. They often leave the water to graze on land, particularly during the evening and at night.
QUICK FACTS
• Plumed Whistling-Ducks are found only in Australia.
• The long, pale plumes on their sides give them their name.
• Males and females look very similar.
• Their long legs make them well suited to walking and grazing on land.
• They can gather in flocks numbering hundreds or even thousands of birds.
• Their distinctive whistling calls help flocks communicate.
• They usually rest near water during the day and often feed on grass at night.
PETE'S PHOTO STORY
Photographing Plumed Whistling-Ducks is always rewarding because there is usually something happening within the flock. For this photograph, five birds lined up amongst the waterlilies, each standing in a slightly different pose. The soft light, reflections and colourful wetland background came together for just a few moments. I particularly like photographs like this because they show the birds as part of their environment rather than simply as individual portraits.