Dendrocygna autumnalis
The Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis, is a striking, medium-sized waterfowl species recognized for its upright, goose-like posture and distinctive whistle. Adults typically measure 47-56 cm (18.5-22 in) in length with a wingspan of 76-90 cm (30-35.5 in) and weigh between 650-1000g (1.4-2.2 lbs). Key field marks include a bright red-orange bill, a contrasting black belly, cinnamon-brown breast and back, a gray face and neck, and prominent white wing patches visible in fligh...
Primarily found in tropical and subtropical wetlands, including freshwater ponds, marshes, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, often with adjacent woodlands for nesting. They also frequent agricultural fields, particularly rice and corn, and urban park ponds, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily herbivorous, their diet consists mainly of seeds, grains (especially corn, rice, and milo), and the vegetative parts of aquatic plants and grasses. They forage by dabbling in shallow water, grazing on land, and occasionally by shallow diving, sometimes supplementing their plant-based di...
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are highly social birds, often forming large flocks outside the breeding season, though they are known to be nocturnal foragers, feeding primarily at night. Their foraging strategy involves dabbling in shallow water for submerged vegetation and seeds, grazing on land...
The Black-bellied Whistling Duck's extensive range stretches from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America, and into northern South America. In the U.S., they are year-round residents along the Gulf Coast, particularly in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, with breeding populatio...
Least Concern
- Despite their common name, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are more closely related to geese than to typical ducks, evident in their long legs and upright posture. - They are sometimes called 'tree ducks' because of their propensity to perch in trees and nest in tree cavities, a rare trait among ...