Duck of the Week: Plumed Whistling Duck

A remarkable duck of the whistling variety.

Plumed whistling ducks are native to Australia. Their call is a typical whistle like that of similar duck species.

Plumed whistling ducks search for their food in grassy areas. Photo by Charles J. Sharp. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Their incredible plumage gives these ducks their name and it’s not surprising to see why it’s their primary feature of note.

Plumed whistling ducks are known for spending time on land, but still go out on the water now and then. Photo by JJ Harrison. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Also noteworthy is the fact plumed whistling ducks prefer to graze for food in grassy areas instead of in the water (and explains their alternate name, the grass whistling duck).

These are ducks I would definitely be on the lookout for during a trip to Australia. The idea of a grassland or savannah duck is remarkable enough that the plumed whistling duck is a standout species for me.