Distribution and Habitat

The Water Whistle Duck is widely distributed throughout coastal tropical Australia, although, vagrants may occur elsewhere. The species prefers deep, permanent tropical lagoons.

Status

The Water Whistle Duck is available for recreational hunting in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Description

The male and female have a similar appearance. The species occurs in dense flocks, whether on land, water or in flight.

In flight, the Water Whistle Duck adopts a distinctive posture with a depressed neck and trailing legs, a dark belly, chestnut shoulders and a white rump. It has short rounded wings with a slow wing beat.

On the water or on the land, the Water-whistle Duck is a medium-sized duck with a dark body and short, white plumes on flank.

Voice

Whistles incessantly in flight.