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Dendrocygna eytoni
The Plumed Whistling-Duck is one of two whistling or tree ducks found in Australia. It is a tall, long necked duck, with very prominent long lanceolate off-white plumes edged in black along the flanks. The face and foreneck are light, the crown and hind neck are pale brown and the brown feathers of the upper back are edged buff. The breast is pale chestnut, finely barred in black. The bill is mottled pink and grey and the legs and feet are pink. It is also known as Grass Whistle Duck, Eyton's Plumed, Red-legged or Whistling Tree-duck, Grass, Grey or Red-legged Whistler, and the Monkey Duck.
Spotted in a large flock, by a dam in backyard. This group spends the day at this dam & fly out at night, most likely to grasslands to feed. They can be heard whistling overhead as they leave.
Spotted on Jul 26, 2013
Submitted on Jul 26, 2013
35 Comments (1–25)
Thanks a lot mac!
Nice pics Alice
Thanks!
nice!
Not a problem! Glad you enjoyed it!
What interesting calls they have, thanks for sharing it.
Thanks reza and daniele! I wanted to give everyone the opportunity to be able to hear their amazing calls! I love them
Beautiful !
Nice series and great recording Alice!
I've uploaded a video with the calls of the ducks. The clicking noises seem to be made when their on land, but you'll hear some of their 'whistles' in there too. Everyone should have a listen, it's a very unique call!
They certainly are Emily!
Beautiful ducks!
I might do that actually Jemma! Great idea!
Maybe you could create one on "Waterfowl of New South Wales"
Does anyone know of any specific duck missions I can add these beauties to?
Thanks alice! Much appreciated!
Fantastic series!
From what i've read males and females are quite similiar in appearance however the males have longer 'lanceolates' ( the white feathers that stick up). Perhaps in the first photo the duck on the far left is female, as it's feathers are shorter, & the other 2 are males, but i can't be sure.
Can you tell the females from the males?
Not a problem! It's good to see everyone else loves these pretty birds as much as i do!
What pretty birds, their plumage is unlike any duck i've ever seen. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Mona. I agree 100% they're gorgeous birds!
So beautiful...
Thanks Shanna and Mark! This dam at the back of my yard is the only place i've seen them and i'm lucky it's such a big flock. Their plumage is amazing
Fabulous Alice. I quite like the light. Amazing ducks... I've heard of them but never have seen them. Thanks.