Anatidae

Distinguished by dark rich plumage, black bill and legs. Black crown with plain yellow-buff face and neck; shoulders chestnut. Immature: duller, centre of abdomen paler, dividing dark underparts.

Nocturnal, Feeds by up ending and diving in shallow water. Gathers in dense flocks of dozens to thousands; camps on bare margins of swamps and rivers sometimes with Plumed Whistling Duck.

Wetlands, Streams lakes and lagoons; tropical freshwater wetlands; flooded grasslands; floodplains.

So called because in flight or on land flocks fill the air with a shrill whistling sound that they make with their wings as well as with their voice boxes

January February March April May Breeds according to season conditions, 8 to12; creamy white, nest a depression in grass. Both sexes incubate the eggs for 28-30 days

Kakadu National Park

Herbivore, chiefly grass and other herbage.