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, B97, B139

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

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:
This is one of the least hardy of the whistling-ducks. These ducks may be maintained in groups or in mixed collections. Enclosures containing a pond with substantial vegetation and a water depth of at least one metre (3 ft 3 inches) are prefered, although they may also be kept in aviaries. A soft substrate such as grass is prefered and appropriate low, large-diameter perches should be provided; these ducks appear particularly prone to the development of Bumblefoot on hard substrates. They may also easily be stressed by capture.

Breeding success has been very good in recent years in Australia. Wandering whistling ducks nest on the ground, under the protection of long grass or a bush, not necessarily near water; they also use hollow logs and ground-level or raised nest boxes. These ducks normally lay May to June (northern hemisphere), September to April northern Australia, September to January in southern Australia. Use of overhead sprinklers (approximately one hour every other day) in combination with increased protein in the diet may stimulate breeding (B139).

Ducklings may be parent reared (parents are very protective). Artificially reared ducklings should be kept in their own group - they tend to attack strange birds. The ducklings eat voraciously and care should be taken to provide sufficient food or the lowest-ranking ducklings may not get to eat; if necessary, obviously undersized birds should be removed and reared seperately (B139).

Artificial incubation and rearing may be used, although imprinting may occur if they are given much contact with humans in the first 4-6 hours after hatching. Broodies may also be used, and ducklings have been reared successfully by Dendrocygna eytoni - Plumed whistling-duck and Chenonetta jubata - Maned duck.

Wandering whistling-ducks readily hybridise with Dendrocygna bicolor - Fulvous whistling-duck and should be kept separate from that species; they have also been known to hybridise with Dendrocygna eytoni - Plumed whistling-duck.

(J23.13.w10, B29, B139).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average closed ring size: D. a. arcuata L 11.0mm, D. a. australis M 12.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Breast buff with black spotting.

Abdomen and flanks chestnut, ventral area, undertail coverts and outer uppertail coverts whitish. Line of somewhat elongated creamy flank feathers with black outer feather web.

Upperparts dark brown with chestnut edgings on mantle and scapular feathers.

Wing dark brown with chestnut lesser coverts.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Usually tended by both parents until fledging. Sometimes large groups of up to 60 ducklings are found with few or no adults.

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

D. a. australis: North Australia and South New Guinea.

[D. a. pygmaea: New Britain and Fiji] Probably extinct.

Water-dependant, therefore dispersed widely in the wet season, concentrated on permanent waters in the dry season.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not globally threatened. Remain abundant in Australia and The Philippines.

Captive Populations

Trade