whistling duck

American  

noun

1. any of several long-legged, chiefly tropical ducks of the genus Dendrocygna, most of which have whistling cries.

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Etymology

Origin of whistling duck

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

The black-bellied whistling duck, the Swainson's warbler, the pileated woodpecker, the Caspian tern, the chachalaca and the dickcissel were all sighted, and all, says Peterson, were "old friends either by sight or sound."

From Time Magazine Archive

Before the creek was lost in the level plain it spread into some large, though shallow pools, which swarmed with ducks of several species, but principally the whistling duck.

From Journals of Australian Explorations by Gregory, Augustus Charles

In many places its waters had overflowed the banks, expanding into clay-pans and lagoons of beautiful clear water where teal and whistling duck disported themselves.

From Spinifex and Sand by Carnegie, David Wynford

A white crane, and the whistling duck, were seen.

From Journal of an Overland Expedition in Australia : from Moreton Bay to Port Essington, a distance of upwards of 3000 miles, during the years 1844-1845 by Leichhardt, Ludwig

But the whistling duck was a crested one, sir, and you will understand that I deliberated no longer.

From The Magic Skin by Marriage, Ellen