Fulvous Whistling-Duck Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesFulvous Whistling-Duck
Adult
The stout bill, slim neck, and huge legs and feet identify this as a whistling-duck. The blue-gray bill, legs, and feet combine with the dark back and buff-orange head and underparts to separate it from similar species.
© Herb Elliott / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, April 09, 2018Adult
An oddly proportioned duck with a long neck, boxy head, and short tail. Cinnamon head and underparts contrast with the dark back and upperwings, with accents created by the white flank streaks and cinnamon tips on the back feathers.
© Lynette Spence / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, February 01, 2018Adults
Forages for seeds and aquatic invertebrates while wadding in shallow water or swimming.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryBuenos Aires, December 11, 1996Not all videos have sound
Adult
The long neck projection and large legs and feet make this recognizable as a whistling-duck. Note the entirely dark wings—above and below—and the cinnamon head and underparts.
© Chris Wood / Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 23, 2011Adult
In flight, the long legs and large feet are conspicuous. The dark upperwing and pale "U" on the rump distinguish this species at great distance from other species of whistling-ducks.
© Rodrigo Ferronato / Macaulay LibrarySão Paulo, August 16, 2015Adults
Flies with neck held low. Note dark wings and white U on the tail.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryBuenos Aires, December 11, 1996Not all videos have sound
Adult and chick
Young chicks show a high contrast black-and-white pattern with an isolated dark "T" that wraps around the back of the neck onto the cheeks.
© Daniel Branch / Macaulay LibrarySão Paulo, October 22, 2020Adult
Note the cinnamon head and underparts contrasting with the dark back and upperwings. Occurs in freshwater wetlands and flooded fields.
© Chris Wood / Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 23, 2011Adult
Tips up to find seeds and other aquatic invertebrates like other dabbling ducks.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryBuenos Aires, December 11, 1996Not all videos have sound
Adult
Long-legged, gooselike duck with a plump body and long neck. Cinnamon head and underparts marked with white lines on the flanks and grayish streaking on the neck. Note dark blue-gray bill.
© Chris Wood / Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 23, 2011Adults with dowitchers
Forages for seeds and aquatic invertebrates in flooded areas with emergent vegetation. This video has no audio.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 01, 1998Not all videos have sound
Similar SpeciesBlack-bellied Whistling-Duck
Adult
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck has a black belly, gray face, and red bill unlike Fulvous Whistling-Duck.
© Shawn Billerman / Macaulay LibraryTexas, March 26, 2014Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds,
birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.