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A flock of Lesser Whistling-ducks

on 12th June 2010

On 9th March 2010, Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS came across a large flock of Lesser Whistling-ducks (Dendrocygna javanica) at a large ex-mining pool near Chemor in Perak, Malaysiain. This pool is popular with herons, egrets, bitterns (especially Purple Heron, Ardea purpurea), Common Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus), Little Grebes (Tachybaptus ruficollis), etc.

This was the largest flock of Lesser Whistling-Ducks Amar has ever seen in the region. Counting from composite and multiple images that he took, he estimates that there were at least 19 in the flock, possibly as high as 25.

Could they be migrants gathering there after their return from the north? After all, Amar was at the same area about a year and a half ago but did not see such a large flock. Or could they be residents?

The ducks were nervous and on two occasions the entire flock made their characteristic whistle… HERE. The cries were recorded with a Nikon D90 and as the flock was in the center of the pool, the recording tends to be a bit soft. The call appears to be made when the ducks were agitated, as well as in flight.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

One Response

  1. Just want to say I appreciate your including (attached) sound files – also an important part of the behavior!

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