Lesser Whistling Duck , The sunken trees of Darshana Wewa are home to many species of aquatic birds, including these whistling ducks basking in the morning sunlight.
The Lesser Whistling Duck, also known as the Indian Whistling Duck or Tree Duck, is a species of waterfowl belonging to the family Anatidae. Its scientific name is Dendrocygna javanica. Here’s some information about this bird
Appearance:
The Lesser Whistling Duck is a medium-sized duck with a distinctive appearance. It has a long, slender neck, a small head, and a long, pointed bill. The plumage is mostly brown with a paler underbelly. The wings are brown with white patches, and the tail is black. In flight, it shows prominent white wingbars.
Habitat:
This species is native to parts of Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia. It is commonly found in freshwater wetlands, such as lakes, marshes, ponds, and flooded fields. These ducks prefer habitats with dense vegetation, where they can roost and nest in trees or shrubs near the water.
Behavior:
Lesser Whistling Ducks are primarily nocturnal birds. They are known for their distinctive whistling calls, which are made during flight or when in groups. These ducks are gregarious and often form large flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or even thousands. They are excellent swimmers and are capable of diving and foraging underwater.
Diet:
The diet of Lesser Whistling Ducks consists mainly of plant matter, including seeds, aquatic vegetation, and grasses. They also feed on insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally small fish. These ducks often forage by dabbling in the water or grazing on land.
Breeding:
During the breeding season, Lesser Whistling Ducks form monogamous pairs. They build their nests in tree cavities or dense vegetation near water bodies. The female typically lays a clutch of 8 to 12 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about a month. After hatching, the young ducklings are led to the water by their parents, where they learn to swim and feed.
Conservation status:
The Lesser Whistling Duck is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It has a wide distribution and large populations in its native range. However, habitat loss, pollution, and hunting pose threats to local populations in some areas.
The Lesser Whistling Duck is an interesting waterfowl species known for its whistling calls, nocturnal behavior, and preference for roosting in trees.