• BirdForum is the net's largest birding community dedicated to wild birds and birding, and is absolutely FREE!

    Register for an account to take part in lively discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
Unidentified Duck
B

Unidentified Duck

Photographed at Titchfield Harbour Hampshire UK yesterday. It was swimming in the company of about 20-30 Mallard
After conferring with Sandpiper (my husband) he is of the opinion it is a Fulvous Whistling Duck, male. Did it appear to be tame and approachable which is a good sign of it being an escapee. This species is normally found in tropical Americas, Africa and India. A good image by the way!
 
The bird was not ringed and as to being approachable, I am not sure as the photograph was taken from a height of about 20ft above the tide pool at the mouth of the River Meon.

It's voice was a plaintiff high pitched sound, not duck like at all. It was diving to a depth of maybe 3-4ft using wings and feet to remain submerged. The Mallard seemed perfectly at ease with it and he with them.

Thanks for the ID.

Cheers

Brian
 
Does look like the FWD according to one of my US bird books they describe the sound as Pi-wheeeoo the other states a thin,squeaky whistle pi-pi TEEEEW or pitheeew.
 

Media information

Category
Britain & Europe
Added by
brian sheppard
Date added
View count
90
Comment count
5

Share this media

Top