Fulvous Whistling Duck

Description: With its long neck and long legs, the proportions of the fulvous whistling duck more closely resemble those of a goose than those of a dabbling duck. Both hens and drakes are a rich red-brown with a dark crown and a stripe down the back of the neck. They have dark wings and backs with red-brown streaks. The bill, legs, and feet are blue-gray. Drakes are slightly larger than hens. Average size: 16-18 inches. Average weight: 1-2 pounds.

Science: Fulvous whistling ducks are found all over the world. North American birds breed in New Mexico, Texas, California, Louisiana, and Florida. In the more northern breeding areas, birds will migrate to the south, whereas southern birds usually will not migrate. They like freshwater lakes, marshes, and flooded rice fields, though they are also sometimes found in coastal saltwater marshes. They eat rice, acorns, grass, and seeds, and travel in flocks of up to one hundred birds. Fulvous whistling ducks are highly vocal in flight, with a whistle that sounds like “pe-chee.” Due to increased rice farming, their population is increasing overall, though it is decreasing in the west.

Hunting: Fulvous whistling ducks are mostly taken incidentally by hunters pursuing other ducks. The eating quality is good: the meat is dark and rich.