Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Overview

Fulvous Whistling-Duck: Large, long-legged, long-necked duck with dark brown back and white V-shaped rump patch. Head and underparts are buff with white throat and vent. The white-edged side and flank feathers form a striking border between sides and back. Tail is black with white undertail coverts.

Range and Habitat

Fulvous Whistling-Duck: Breeds in southern California, coastal Texas and Louisiana, and southern Florida; winters along the east coast of Mexico. Preferred habitats include shallow freshwater marshes, lakes, and flooded agricultural fields.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Fulvous Whistling-Duck's common name comes from the hoarse whistling sound it makes and from its coloring. Fulvous means tawny. Largely nocturnal, they migrate at night and rest and feed during the day, unlike most other ducks. They are easily domesticated and are quite tame even in the wild. A group of ducks has many collective nouns, including a "brace", "flush", "paddling", "raft", and "team" of ducks.