Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Overview

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck: Large, colorful duck with bright red bill, pink-red legs and feet. Shows white wing patch, black belly, reddish-brown breast, neck and back. Face, foreneck are gray, white eye ring. Feeds on aquatic plants, cultivated grains, seeds. Direct flight on rapid wing beats.

Range and Habitat

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck: Occurs in freshwater and estuarine wetlands and marshes along the Texas Gulf Coast and also in southern Arizona.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is an unusual species among North American waterfowl. With its long legs, peculiar appearance, and odd habits, it was described by one early American ornithologist as “most un-duck-like.” They were formerly known as the Black-bellied Tree Duck; as this name suggests, they are quite fond of perching. Additionally, tree cavities provide nesting sites. This species expanded its range in the latter half of the 20th century, and has benefited in recent years from the placement of nest boxes across key portions of its range. A group of ducks has many collective nouns, including a "brace", "flush", "paddling", "raft", and "team" of ducks.