Abstract
The treeducks or whistling ducks
(genus Dendrocygna) form a unique
group of waterfowl. Superficially
they resemble ducks, but with longer
necks and longer legs. Behaviorally,
however, they are most closely related
to geese and swans. They are noisy,
nocturnal birds. There is little sexual
dimorphism and pairs bond for life,
with males helping with incubation.
The Wes t indian treeducks ,
Dendrocygna arborea, are the largest
of the eight species of treeducks .
They inhabit the brackish water mangrove
and fresh water swamps of the
Greater Antilles . The majority are
found on Cuba , Hispaniola and
Puerto Rico ; although small groups
may be found in the Bahamas and
Lesser Antilles. They are threatened
with extinction due to a combination
of hunting pressure, the taking of
eggs, pesticide use, habitat destruc-
tion and predation from the introduced
mongoose.
At White Oak Plantation we have
been fortunate to have a large colony
of West Indian treeducks for several
years . We maintain a group of
between 20 and 30 birds, with five or
six pairs nesting annually. The flock is
kept in a one acre enclosure with a
large, free-flowing fresh water
lagoon . Numerous cypress and tupelo
trees lend a swamp-like appearance to
the enclosure.