Bird Description

Rapidly increasing resident of the Gulf states, prone to wander long distances. Found in wet areas such as agricultural ponds and wetlands, particularly where they can perch in trees. Nests in tree holes or nest boxes. Sometimes solitary but often in noisy flocks. Noisy 'whistling' carries long distances. More often heard before seen. Most active at dawn and dusk but also nocturnal. ID: Typical whistling-duck shape: fairly large and elongated with long legs, neck and bill but fairly small head. Striking color pattern in adults allied to shape gives an 'exotic' feel. In flight, obvious white in upperwing easy to see. Sexes alike. Adult striking. Juv superficially similar to FUWD, has gray cheeks, is duller with uniform brown back with less contrasting underparts and no prominent flank stripes.