Its generic name is derived from the Ancient Greek terms dendron "tree", and kuknos (via Latin cygnus) "swan".

Measuring 42–60 cm (16.5–23.5 in) and weighing around one kilogram (2.2 lb), it is a long-necked duck with brown upperparts, paler underparts and a white rump.

The chest is chestnut with thin black bars, while long black-margined plumes arise from its flanks.

[4] The range is eastern, northern and central Australia from the Kimberley across the Top End and Cape York, down to southern Queensland and northern New South Wales on the east coast, although may reach north-western Victoria inland, in the vicinity of the Murray River.

[6] The plumed whistling duck breeds during the wet season, generally in January to March, although it can be later in April or, in a few cases, May.