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The Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica), also known as the Indian Whistling Duck, is a small, long-necked waterfowl species belonging to the family Anatidae. It is a common resident found across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of Indonesia, favoring freshwater wetlands, lakes, marshes, and flooded paddy fields.

This distinctive duck earns its name from its characteristic whistling calls, often heard before the birds are seen, especially during their crepuscular flights. It has a predominantly brownish-chestnut plumage, with a darker crown and a prominent pale buff panel on its wing coverts that is visible in flight. Its long neck and legs, along with its upright stance, give it a graceful, almost goose-like appearance. Unlike many ducks, the male and female are identical in appearance.

In India, large congregations of Lesser Whistling Ducks are a common sight in water bodies, particularly in regions like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the wetlands of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. They are highly gregarious, roosting and feeding in large, noisy flocks. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting mainly of aquatic vegetation, seeds, grains, and small invertebrates, which they forage for by dabbling or up-ending in shallow water.

The breeding season varies with the monsoon but generally occurs during the rains. They typically nest in tree hollows, old bird nests, or dense vegetation near water, where the female lays a clutch of 7-12 ivory-white eggs. Although classified as Least Concern due to its extensive range, the species faces localized threats from wetland drainage, water pollution, and hunting. As a key indicator of wetland health, its presence signifies a productive and relatively undisturbed aquatic ecosystem.
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© Photography by Ambuj Gupta
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