West Indian whistling-duck

noun

variants or West Indian whistling duck or less commonly West Indian tree duck

: a large, secretive, chiefly brown whistling-duck (Dendrocygna arborea) of the West Indies that is usually active in the evening or early morning

The West Indian whistling-duck … is a Caribbean endemic species that is considered endangered throughout its range.

—Wendy A. Lee, in The Earliest Inhabitants: The Dynamics of the Jamaican Taíno, 2006

The only duck that breeds in the Cayman Islands is the long-legged West Indian whistling duck … which resembles a goose.

—Paris Permenter and John Bigley, Adventure Guide to the Cayman Islands, 2008

Rare West Indian tree ducks … and the largest bird sanctuary in the Caribbean attest to our dedication to wildlife preservation.

—Lionel A. Hurst, in New York Times, 10 May 1989

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now