Wandering Whistling Duck

Dendrocygna arcuata

Family: Ducks, Swans, and Geese · Status: Former introduced resident · Size: 40–45 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Native breeding range spans the Philippines and Indonesia to Australia. Formerly an introduced resident in Singapore, but now extirpated.

Identification

Slightly larger than Lesser Whistling Duck. Has a pronounced blackish line down the centre of the nape and hindneck, richer chestnut flanks with very prominent thick black and white markings, black-spotted breast, and white vent.

Habitat

Formerly found in ponds within gardens and parks, e.g. Singapore Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay.

Behaviour

Gregarious, joining flocks of Lesser Whistling Ducks. Hybrids of the two species were documented in Singapore.