Fulvous whistling-duck

Scientific name: Dendrocygna bicolor

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

This duck is characterized by fulvous-buff plumage overall with a dark back, long neck, and distinctive white rump patch visible in flight. Both sexes are similar, though females may appear slightly duller; the bill is long and gray-blue, and legs are long and reddish-gray.

Size and weight

Adults typically weigh 0.5–0.7 kg with body length of 43–53 cm; sexes are similar in size.

Habitat

Fulvous whistling-ducks inhabit shallow freshwater and brackish wetlands, marshes, and rice fields with scattered vegetation and open water. They prefer lowland areas from sea level to moderate elevations, typically in warm temperate and tropical regions.

Distribution

Found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia; in North America they occur primarily in the Gulf Coast states and migrate northward into the Great Plains during favorable conditions.

Diet

Fulvous whistling-ducks feed primarily on seeds from aquatic plants and waste grain in agricultural fields, with some intake of vegetation and invertebrates depending on seasonal availability.

Behaviour

Highly social and vocal birds, often seen in flocks, especially during dawn and dusk when they are most active; they are dabbling feeders that may visit fields at night and are strong fliers capable of long-distance movements.

Hunting tips

Look for their distinctive three-note whistling calls in pre-dawn and dusk hours near shallow wetlands and grain fields. Approach from downwind using vegetation for cover; these ducks are wary and flush readily, so early-morning positioning near roosting or feeding areas is most effective. Glass distant water bodies and field edges to locate flocks before attempting a close stalk.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 6 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.