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The West Indian Whistling-Duck (WIWD) is endemic to the West Indies, meaning that it is found nowhere else in the world. The species is classified as globally threatened, with a total population probably between10,000 to 20,000 birds; it is rare and endangered on many islands throughout its range. Small populations occur on islands of the Greater Antilles (Bahamas, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos Islands); Antigua and Barbuda are at the southern edge of the range.The largest population is in Cuba where the bird is doing well because of the rice culture.

Characteristics

Large, graceful, mostly-brown duck with black and white markings on abdomen, long neck and legs, black bill, and big feet (length 19-22 inches)
Likes to perch in trees (arborea = tree)
Appears goose-like, stands upright, walks with grace
Male and female look alike, form long pair bonds
Highly vocal - birds give haunting and beautiful chiriria whistles; most often heard or seen at dusk when flying in small flocks
Females lay 6-10 eggs, incubation period is 30 days
Both parents incubate eggs (unlike other ducks), taking turns doing 24 hour shifts on nest
Strong family bonds, both parents take care of young

Range and Habitat Needs

Smallest range of all 8 whisting-duck species
Inhabits both fresh and saline water bodies such as lagoons, swamps, tidal flats, salt ponds, coastal mangroves, rice fields and palm savannas
Day is spent concealed in vegetation—roosting in mangroves or on branches of partly submerged trees; also loafs in small groups near the water
Most active at night—at twilight, birds fly out to nocturnal feeding areas in small groups
Likes wooded wetlands and rice fields surrounded by trees
Feeds in tidal flats, ponds, and mangroves
Mainly vegetarian, eating seeds, grasses, aquatic plants, bulbs, tubers, berries and royal palm fruit; will also eat crops such as corn and rice
Scrub and coppice are important habitat for nesting
Nests in tree cavities, among palm leaves, or in bromeliad clusters on high tree branches. Will also nest on the ground amid reeds, thick brush, fallen tree roots, or beneath thatch palms (if there are no big trees)
Non-migratory but moves around in search of water and good habitat during periodic drought

Threats to the West Indian Whistling-Duck's Survival

Habitat loss (draining and filling of wetlands for development)
Habitat degradation, including pollution (chemical runoff from nearby agriculture, sewage, garbage) and water mismanagement
Introduced predators (mongoose, recoons, rats, feral cats and dogs) that kill adults and young and eat eggs
Protected by law in much of its range but enforcement is weak and paching is widespread

What Can be Done

Protect key West Indian Whistling-Duck habitats (for feeding, roosting and nesting)
Use wetlands wisely and sustainably
Don't pollute, restore damaged wetlands
Educate hunters about the WIWD's threatened and protected status; teach them to distinguish the WIWD from other ducks that are legal game
Increase public and decision makers' awareness about the many functions and values of wetlands to increase support for protection of wetlands and wildlife
The WIWD and Wetlands Conservation Project is working to conserve this species and the wetland habitats upon which it depends. Visit www.whistlingduck.org to find out more!
BirdLife International (2006) Species factsheet: Dendrocygna arborea

West Indian Whistling-Duck Bird of the Month contributed by Lisa Sorenson