UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 3 September 2026

Fulvous Whistling Duck Latest News

A flock of more than 30 Fulvous whistling ducks, a species rarely recorded in Kerala, has been recently spotted at the Venjali wetlands in Malappuram district.

About Fulvous Whistling Duck

• The Fulvous whistling duck, also known as the fulvous tree duck, is a large, goose-like bird characterized by its long legs and neck. 
• Scientific Name: Dendrocygna bicolor 

Fulvous Whistling Duck Habitat and Distribution

• It is one of the most widely distributed species of waterfowl in the world, occurring mostly in tropical and subtropical regions but also in temperate areas of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. 
• In India, the bird is more commonly found in the wetlands of Assam and other northeastern States. 
• It prefers shallow wetlands with plenty of tall grass and other vegetation. 
• It can be found in freshwater lakes, seasonal freshwater pools, slow-flowing streams, marshy areas, swamps in open flat terrain, flooded grasslands, and very frequently in areas of wet rice cultivation.  

Fulvous Whistling Duck Features

• These ducks measure 45 to 55 cm in length and weigh 500 to 1,000 grams. 
• The male ducks are slightly larger than the females. 
• They have reddish brown plumage. 
• The upper tail-coverts are whitish. They have whitish stripes on the flanks.
•  A distinctive crescent white band across the black tail can be seen during flight. 
• The legs are long with a bluish-grey tinge. 
• The bill is grey in color.  
• These ducks are notable for their distinctive squealing sounds when taking off and their loud, shrill whistles during flight. 

Fulvous Whistling Duck Conservation Status

It is classified as 'Least Concern' under the IUCN Red List. 

News: TH