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Whistling tree ducks are long-legged waterfowl found in warm-temperate and
tropical regions throughout the world especially tropical South America,
Africa, and Madagascar. They are 17 to 18 inches in length and are similar
in habit and behavior to geese and swans.
"Tree ducks" is a poor name as few perch or nest in trees! They do produce a
melodious whistle instead of a quack. They are rather shy, mostly nocturnal
feeders and rest during the day. Their diet consists of plants, snails,
larvae, and insects. Their zoo diet is 1-cup waterfowl diet with oyster
shell, and ¼ cup chopped fruits and lettuce.
These ducks mate for life; male and female share the incubation of eggs, and
both lead the ducklings after hatching. The adults arrived in May 1996.
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