Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
J23.13.w10
B7, B29, B30, B31, B96, B97
D1, D8

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Whistling-ducks (Tree-ducks)

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Cold-sensitive Birds (Category 1.) (D1)

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Whistling-ducks generally do well, either in pens or in a park with access to extensive water area and good natural cover. They are gregarious outside the breeding season, and groups may bully smaller duck species, so should be kept in large areas, in which other birds have room to escape. Most need shelter in severe weather and a well-sheltered pen with frost-free night quarters for winter is suggested, or plenty of ground cover and/or straw to stand on, as they are susceptible to frostbite. They may be kept fully-flighted in aviaries, and have also been kept full-winged in open pens, tending not to wander. Perches should be provided at an appropriate height for pinioned or wing-clipped birds. Commercial pellets and grain are suitable for feeding.
• Elevated nest boxes are appreciated by most species, although pinioned birds will use ground-level boxes; boxes may be placed over water or land. Eggs may be incubated by bantams and ducklings may be bantam-reared. Many species have been successfully parent-reared in captivity. Pairs kept isolated and fully flighted in a covered pen, with high-hung nest boxes "seldom fail to rear broods" (B7). Whistling-duck species may hybridise with one another and therefore should be kept in separate enclosures, and hybridisation has also occasionally been reported with Netta peposaca - Rosy-billed pochard.

(J23.13.w10, B7, B29, B97).

Species-specific Information:

• Fulvous whistling-ducks are fairly hardy, but a frost-free area is required for winter - they may need indoor accommodation in severe/frosty weather. They are easy to keep, usually peaceable (some individuals may be fairly aggressive), lively and attractive in mixed collections; they are frequently kept in small groups, therefore being good for display purposes. These ducks are hardy, peaceable and lively. Sizeable ponds are preferred, with a depth of 60-80cm or greater to allow diving; an area for seclusion and opportunities for perching should also be provided. They may be fed wheat and standard pellets, together with green food such as lettuce, duckweed, grass, and bread.
• This species is easy to breed. These ducks nest in ground vegetation; they also use ground-level or raised nest boxes or a hollow log screened with vegetation. Egg-laying may begin as early as March or April in the UK, but is usually in April to June. Downies require warmth and care initially, with warm water for bathing. They initially require food in water for filter-feeding, will take moist crumbly food later but will take each beakful to water. These ducklings may be best parent-reared, but an incubator or broody may also be used.
• Communal laying is not uncommon, with large numbers of eggs (e.g. 23-62) in one nest - hatching success may be improved if some eggs are placed under bantams.
• May hybridise with Dendrocygna eytoni - Plumed whistling-duck, Dendrocygna javanica - Lesser whistling-duck, Dendrocygna viduata - White-faced whistling-duck.

(J23.13.w10, B29, B30, B31, B96, B97, D1).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average closed ring size: L 11.0mm, few males N 13.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Breast, abdomen and flanks rich cinnamon-buff. Upper (dorsal) flank feathers slightly elongated, creamy with black edge.

Ventral area and undertail coverts creamy white.

Upperparts dark brown with chestnut feather fringes.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

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Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Widely nomadic within its range.

Vagrants as far north as British Columbia and Nova Scotia.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not globally threatened. Widespread but local populations. Concentrates in large numbers in suitable habitat. New World population less than 1,000,000; African population up to 625,000; Asian population declining, perhaps 20,000 (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade