ID Keys: Fulvous-brown overall, dark back with brown splotches,
white stripe on flanks.
The
Fulvous Whistling-Duck is a widespread duck of
Africa, Asia, and much of the tropical Americas. Normally found in the
extreme southern U.S., wandering individuals or small groups may occasionally be
seen in nearly any location in the United States.
Habitat
Shallow freshwater or brackish marshes, flooded fields and pastures, irrigated rice fields.
Diet
Mostly seeds of aquatic plants and grasses, waste grain in farm fields. Particularly fond of rice.
Behavior
Forages both on land and in water. In the water, swims on the surface and acts like a dabbling duck, grabbing food near the surface, or sometimes tipping downward and sticking its head underwater. On land, they most often forage in wet fields.
Breeding
Non-breeder in South Dakota
Song
High-pitched pe-wheeah , usually when in flight.
Migration
Populations along the Gulf Coast often migrate south to Mexico in the fall. Groups often stray from usual breeding areas, resulting breeding area expansion. Erratic wandering may bring small groups to nearly any location in the U.S., and even into southern Canada.
Interactive eBird Map
Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Fulvous Whistling-duck sightings
Similar Species
Fairly distinctive. Same structurally as Black-bellied Whistling Duck.
Status
Populations have decreased in the Southwest, and have increased in the Southeast. Rice farmers in the Southeast regard the Fulvous Whistling Duck as a "pest" species which damages rice crops. Population shifts may be due to rice-farming practices.
