Whistling ducks are omnivorous birds. They feed on vegetable matter such as grass and seeds as well as aquatic invertebrates. At the zoo they are fed a nutritionally balanced dry food. Nests are made on the ground in long grass or seedbeds. Clutches consist of 4 to 13 eggs which hatch in 26 to 28 days.
Chicks are dark brown on top of the body and yellow underneath.