The Javan is the smallest and perhaps most delicate of the whistling duck family. Numbers in captivity are not huge, with diminishing numbers of breeders in the UK.
This duck breeds in Southeast Asia; commonly found in large flocks around lakes and wet paddy fields, feeding mainly on plants taken from the water as well as cultivated rice grains and invertebrates. Similar in appearance to Fulvous and Wandering Whistling Ducks, it differs in appearance mainly through size and its orange to yellow eye ring. Local Indian names for this species include ‘sili’ and ‘silhahi’ are based on their wheezy, two-tone calls.
Whilst not hard to maintain in captivity, they may be considered less winter hardy than most other waterfowl. However, with sufficient access to open water, they are able to cope with British winters fine. Breeding has found to be encouraged by breeders with the addition of ornamental grasses for them to weave a nest out of, although they will also use cavity nest boxes. Clutches typically of 8-12 round, white eggs are laid and incubated for about 25 days. Multiple broods are regularly raised by pairs each season in the wild.
Go back Introduction PromoStronger • Together • for Aviculture
Membership
Membership is open to all. When membership levels allow, we will print our magazines. In the meantime, our membership rate reflects the digital-only output.