These long-legged ducks have a distinct white face and neck patch that stands out from its brown and black feathered body.

They are social birds and can gather in flocks of several thousand outside of breeding season.

Whistling ducks embark on seasonal migrations in response to food and water availability, otherwise remaining in the same general area. In the breeding season, nests are built of leaves on the ground in marshes and also in hollow trees.

Mutual preening plays an important part in the formation of pairs and the maintenance of bonds. Clutches consist of 6 to 12 eggs, and both partners incubate the eggs for 28 to 30 days.