West Indian Whistling-duck head

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The Caribbean whistling duck (Dendrocygna arborea) is a distinctive waterbird that breeds exclusively in the tropical waters of the West Indies. Also known as the black-billed whistling duck and Cuban whistling duck, this species is widely distributed throughout the region, with large breeding populations found in the Bahamas and smaller numbers in Cuba, the Cayman Islands, Antigua, and Barbuda. The Caribbean whistling duck is primarily a sedentary bird, although it does make local movements that can cover distances of up to 100 km or more. Nests have been discovered in various locations, including tree cavities, branches, bromeliads, and dense bushes under thatch palms and other vegetation. Typically, these birds lay between 10-16 eggs per clutch. One of the most notable characteristics of this species is its habit of perching in trees, which gives it its specific name. The Caribbean whistling duck is mostly nocturnal and secretive, preferring to inhabit wooded swamps and mangroves where it roosts and feeds on plant material, including the fruit of the Royal Palm. The largest (48-56 cm) and darkest member of its genus, the Caribbean whistling duck has a distinctive appearance. It boasts a long black bill, long head, and longish legs. The pale foreneck and light brown face provide striking contrast to the dark brown to black crown, back, breast, and wings, while the rest of its underparts are white with heavy black markings. Juveniles display similar plumage patterns, although their colors are duller, and their belly markings less pronounced than those of adults. To learn more about this fascinating species, click on the following link to access the "Mark my Bird" project: http://data.nhm.ac.uk/dataset/955c0fd6-2b96-46ed-b6f9-9060100cf825