WATERFOWL of Australasia

The order Anseriformes contains about 150 living species of birds in three families: the Anhimidae (the screamers), Anseranatidae (the Magpie Goose), and the Anatidae, which includes over 140 species of waterfowl, among them the ducks, geese, and swans. All species in the order are web-footed for efficient swimming and have a large wide bill with a specialized tongue that allows water to be sucked in the front of the bill. An array of plates traps food particles as the water is expelled out the sides of the bill. Not all species feed this way, some graze on plants and some also catch fish. [abstracted from Wikipedia]



Whistling Ducks

Order Anseriformes    Family Anatidae  

The whistling ducks have long legs and necks, and are very gregarious, flying to and from night-time roosts in large flocks. Both sexes have the same plumage, and all have a hunched appearance and black underwings in flight. Their name refers to their loud whistling-like call.


Genus Dendrocygna

Duck, Plumed Whistling Dendrocygna eytoni   Found: Australia
Photographed by Arthur Chapman - Waterbird Habitat, University of Queensland Campus, Gatton, Queensland, Australia


Duck, Spotted Whistling  Dendrocygna guttata   Found: Philippines, Australasia
Photographed by: 1, 2) Dick Daniels - Sylvan Heights


Duck, Wandering Whistling Dendrocygna arcuata   Found: Australia and Pacific Islands
Photographed by: Aviceda






All photos on this site are available for general use. Please credit the photographer. Some images have additional constraints such as no commercial use or no modifications. Click the photo credit link for details.    Dick Daniels, webmaster.