General

Fulvous Whistling-Duck: Large, long-legged, long-necked duck with dark brown back and white V-shaped rump patch. Head and underparts are buff with white throat and vent. White-edged side and flank feathers form a striking border between sides and back. Tail is black with white undertail coverts. Bill, legs, and feet are blue-gray. Sexes are similar. Juvenile resembles adult but is duller overall. Occasionally perches in trees.

Range and Habitat

Fulvous Whistling-Duck: Breeds in southern California, coastal Texas and Louisiana, and southern Florida; winters along the east coast of Mexico. Preferred habitats include shallow freshwater marshes, lakes, and flooded agricultural fields.

Breeding and Nesting

Fulvous Whistling-Duck: Twelve to fourteen white eggs are laid in a shallow cup of grass lined with down. Nest is built on the ground in dense vegetation or floats on the water. Incubation ranges from 24 to 26 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Fulvous Whistling-Duck: Feeds almost exclusively on aquatic vegetation, rice, and seeds of marsh plants; forages day and night.

Vocalization

Fulvous Whistling-Duck: Utters a two-note squealing whistle, "k-weeoo" in flight and when feeding, and a harsh "kee" during disputes.

Similar Species

Fulvous Whistling-Duck: Black-bellied Whistling Duck has dark rump, white wing stripes, and lacks white flank stripes.