Pato silbador chico

1. Nombre del ave
The bird being profiled here is the Lesser Whistling-duck, scientifically named Dendrocygna javanica.

2. Aspecto
The Lesser Whistling-duck has a distinctively streamlined shape, standing out from other ducks by its long neck, elongated body, and short legs. Mostly covered in a chestnut-brown, two lighter brownish-grey stripes run down the hind side of its neck. The upper wing sight is metallic and dark green. Its beak is grey, and it has big round dark-colored eyes. There is no visible difference between the male and female appearance.

3. Tamaño
This medium-sized water bird measures about 33 to 42 centimeters (13 to 17 inches) in length. The wingspan is around 53 – 59 centimeters (21 – 22 inches). The weight of the bird typically ranges from 400 to 800 grams (0.9 to 1.8 pounds).

4. Hábitat y distribución
The Lesser Whistling-duck is found throughout South and Southeast Asia, as well as in some parts of the Middle East. Their habitats include wetlands, freshwater lakes, paddy fields, irrigated farmlands, and even urban park ponds. They are particularly fond of areas with ample vegetation, both on land and in the water.

5. Datos de interés
– The “whistling” part of their name comes from their distinctive three-part whistling call.
– This species does not migrate long distances, but will journey to find suitable wetland environments when necessary.
– There are accounts of the Lesser Whistling-duck becoming semi-nocturnal in areas with high human disturbance to forage and feed during quieter periods.

6. Dieta
The diet of a Lesser Whistling-duck mainly consists of water plants, algae, and various small aquatic animals like insects and larvae. They also forage for grains and grass shoots from agricultural fields.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos
The Lesser Whistling-duck is typically a gregarious bird, seen feeding and resting in flocks by day. It often becomes more active at dusk, performing most of its feeding at night. Their call, as the name suggests, is a distinctive three-part whistling “hwiit-hwiit-hwiit” or “hoo-hoo-hoo,” that carries remarkably far.

8. Estado de conservación
According to the IUCN Red List, the Lesser Whistling-duck is currently listed as a species of ‘Least Concern’ due to their large and stable population.

9. Vida útil
Lesser Whistling-ducks are thought to have a lifespan of about 10-15 years in the wild, although some individuals living in captivity have been known to live longer.

10. Notas adicionales
– In some areas like Guam, the Lesser Whistling-duck is called the “Tropical Duck.”
– Humans mostly see them as advantageous, as they help control insect pests by feeding on them.
– Their role in the ecosystem is as a middle order consumer, controlling the population of insects and small aquatic creatures, while providing food for larger predators; primary role being a key part of the food chain in their ecosystems.