Bird

White-winged Duck

Asarcornis scutulata

Also known as White-winged Wood Duck

Secretive and predominantly nocturnal, the White-winged Duck inhabits secluded pools and slow-moving streams deep within primary tropical evergreen rainforests. During daylight hours, pairs or small family groups perch high in the forest canopy, dropping down at dusk to feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small animals under cover of darkness. Severe deforestation and the drainage of undisturbed peat swamps have fragmented their remaining populations across South and Southeast Asia.

NocturnalForest DwellerEndangered

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—observations

—countries

—peak records

Critically EndangeredConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyFreshwater snails, Small fish, Aquatic seeds

Predators

Tiger
Clouded Leopard
Reticulated Python

ThreatsHabitat destruction through logging and agriculture, wetland drainage, hunting, disturbance

HabitatsDense lowland tropical rainforests, swamp forests, secluded jungle streams, freshwater pools

Life span10–15 years in the wild

Classification

FamilyAnatidae
SpeciesAsarcornis scutulata

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice: Look for a massive, dark-bodied duck with a speckled white head, pale wing coverts, and an orange bill mottled with black.
Support conservation: Maintain a wide berth around forest wetlands, avoid shining bright spotlights on nocturnal roosts, and do not disclose active nesting locations.

Responsible observation

Listening for Calls: Listen for resonant, ghost-like honking or quacking calls over forest pools at dawn and dusk.
Field Etiquette: Remain quiet and concealed behind dense vegetation to avoid flushing roosting pairs from tree cavities.

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