In peninsula Malaysia we usually see the Lesser Whistling Duck but in Sabah waters the Wandering Whistling is easily seen at watersheds like flood retention pond, housing estate lakes and abandoned fish ponds. It is fortunate that there are not hunted by the town folks and they still propagate in abundance in man made habitat.
Breeding occurs during the tropical wet season usually between December and May. During this time six to fifteen eggs are laid in a nest not far from water and usually in high grass or a sheltered area.
Formerly named tree ducks, the wandering whistling duck has its new name because of their loud whistling calls and the whistling noise their wings make during flight. They have long necks and legs and look like a cross between a goose and a duck. They have a strong head and neck with a darker crown and hindneck. The breast contains black spotting and the feathers are mostly dark brown. They range in size from 54–60 cm in height and weigh on average 750 grams. They mainly feed on grasses, waterlilies, water plants and occasionally insects and aquatic vertebrae.
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